The New Republic

A Novel

By: Lionel Shriver

Narrated by: Edoardo Ballerini

Acclaimed author Lionel Shriver—author of the National Book Award finalist So Much for That, The Post-Birthday World, and the vivid psychological novel We Need to Talk About Kevin, now a major motion picture—probes the mystery of charisma in a razor-sharp new novel that teases out the intimate relationship between terrorism and cults of personality, explores what makes certain people so magnetic, and reveals the deep frustrations of feeling overshadowed by a life-of-the-party who may not even be present.

“Shriver is a master of the misanthrope. . . . [A] viciously smart writer.” —Time

Not her best...

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Probably not. It's the least favorite of Lionel shriver"s books, for me.

What could Lionel Shriver have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Nothing. The writing is superb. The subject matter didn't interest me.

Which scene was your favorite?

The part here the main character's illsuions about his icon are shattered. Can't be too specific because I don't remember.

Could you see The New Republic being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Sure. It would be on Showtime or HBO. I see Rupert Everett as being the star.

Any additional comments?

I like it better when Lionel Shriver's narrator is a woman.

Disappointed

A mediocre almost ridiculous tale. Shriver tends to write about unlikable characters and has surpassed herself in this book. The story line is both unbelievable and not very interesting. Characters lack depths.

Not as clever as it's trying to be

Lionel Shriver's books cover a wide variety of topics, but I think she's strongest when writing about families and relationships (Big brother, We need to talk about Kevin, the Post Birthday World) and weakest when trying to ironically address serious issues (this and Game Control) While the premise is amusing, the story drags and the end is insipid and annoying.