Comments on: The Company You Keep

By: Buce

Buce — Mon, 26 Dec 2005 15:47:06 +0000

I’m too indolent to Google it, but you bring to mind EM Forster’s remark about how if he had to choose between betraying his country and betraying his friend he would…

By: CharleyCarp

CharleyCarp — Sun, 25 Dec 2005 20:30:10 +0000

Jim Johnson, it's too late to be suggesting Xmas presents, but if you're out exchanging gifts, you might think about Simple Twist of Fate. Disclaimer: I'm related to one of the authors.

By: Ian

Ian — Sun, 25 Dec 2005 06:25:19 +0000

As a CT reader who already has a copy of The Company You Keep, I agree it’s a superb political thriller-cum-historical study: milieu totally convincing, main character fascinating & credible, plot riveting. Not sure, though, that “the main theme of the book is about how trust in friends is more important than abstract principle.” I read the theme as (huge simplification): there are decent individuals at all points on the political spectrum from left radical to establishment Republican (Gordon doesn’t give us any examples further to the right than that); and their politics are guided by the politics of those who raise and befriend them – the company you keep – rather than by abstract principle. It’s questionable whether Gordon himself is totally persuaded of this, even if he wants to be: his characters on the left, committed or disillusioned, are drawn far more fully and lovingly than those on the right. Depends whether you see it as a book about the left, or a book about political belief.

Those implausible coincidences: yes, Gordon piles on way, way too many, and often they’re not even necessary to the plot. His previous novel, The Gunrunner’s Daughter – equally intelligent and readable – has the same problem. It looks almost compulsive, as if Gordon keeps saying, “I know you won’t swallow this, but I’m gonna put it in and still write a fine novel!“

By: Henry

Henry — Sat, 24 Dec 2005 18:33:56 +0000

As the father of a good friend said to him thirty or so years ago: “Well at least you’re a professional revolutionary!”

By: Jim Johnson

Jim Johnson — Sat, 24 Dec 2005 17:21:45 +0000

A book that brings to mind the best Dylan album ever is worth tracking down.

By: Tom T.

Tom T. — Sat, 24 Dec 2005 14:51:46 +0000

I haven't read Gordon's book, but from your description it sounds like those who enjoy it might also appreciate Thomas Pynchon's Vineland. It's in the same vein, but perhaps a bit more light-hearted.