John Dos Passos
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General Dos Passos thread--
I've read Manhattan Transfer and am reading his letter and travel writings published by Library of America. Would like to discuss
>>7662675
INTERVIEWER
Do you enjoy writing?
DOS PASSOS
That depends. Sometimes I do, and sometimes I don't.
>>7662675
anyone?
I think his character portraits are some of the best I have ever read, in Manhattan Transfer. Has anyone here read his USA Trilogy?
>>7664549
>Has anyone here read his USA Trilogy?
Yeah, quite original structure (with the News Reels and Camera Eyes), interposed with the more traditional narrative. Thematically a little weak, yet not unintersting. He makes it work despite that and that attests to his quality as a writer, if not much of a thinker. Would read more from him despite not really considering him good. Slightly enjoyable, though part of that may, admittedly, be merely because he doesn't sound like your other "American Greats" like that Steinbeck faggot, i.e. his worldview doesn't sound like garbage-man trite small talk. His subtle humour is a nice addition also.
I really admire the chapter where the German immigrant shaves his beard because of the Gillette ad. I enjoyed the book as a whole, but that's the part that has really stuck in my memory.
>>7662745
Dumb questions get dumb answers
If you liked the Manhattan Transfer you should check out the USA trilogy. I read the first book a while ago and it was pretty good. Not quite as good as TMT though.
