media consumption

Cosmopolis

Don DeLillo's latest is a slim volume, especially compared to his massive Underworld, but man, does he pack a lot into that space. The entire novel takes place in NYC during the course of a single day, most of which is spent in the high-tech, ultra-opulent confines of the protagonist's personal limousine.

Eric Packer, a self-made billionaire and financial genius, begins the day in search of a haircut. His quest is delayed by a presidential motorcade, a water-main break, an anti-capitalist riot, a rapper's funeral procession, not to mention a handful of sexual liaisons. Through the billionaire's confused and self-absorbed musings (he's the only character we really get to know), DeLillo weaves a narrative about the aimlessness of capitalist greed and the search for meaning in a life lived without real purpose.

DeLillo here displays his mastery of pacing and plot development. Despite the limo's slow progress, the story moves along steadily. However, once I reached the end of the ride (so to speak) I didn't feel that I learned anything new on the trip. DeLillo accurately portrays a society adrift and uncertain in the aftermath of 9/11. Unfortunately, the book merely drifts along, dragging us in its existential wake.

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