Nellie Bowles’s Failed Provocations

When Joan Didion died, in December, 2021, “TGIF” included a tribute to her influence. Didion had “inspired a generation of young writers including this one” with work that “skewered the trendy movements around her,” Bowles wrote. “The Didion I read would quietly find the flabbiest bits of American culture. She was ruthless and funny. She was not on your side. She wasn’t on anyone’s side. If Didion had been working these past few years, I have no doubt who she’d be writing about.

But, for the reader, there is a dispiriting flatness to the results. Imagine “Radical Chic” with no penthouse, no eavesdropping, no combustible social chemistry, no outfits, no Roquefort morsels—just a transcript of unknown people, identified by a first name and maybe a hair style, addressing a group and saying cartoonish things. It’s a truism that humor dwells in specificity, and this principle works against Bowles’s efforts at bitingly observed social commentary.

Progressivism Critique Books Journalists

United States Latest News, United States Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Everything To Know About Simone Biles' Parents, Ronald and Nellie BilesGina Vivinetto is a writer for TODAY.com.
Source: TODAYshow - 🏆 389. / 55 Read more »

OPINION: The incomparable legacy of Nellie MooreNellie epitomized the best qualities in a journalist — but more importantly, she was first and foremost a kind and caring person.
Source: adndotcom - 🏆 293. / 63 Read more »

North Korea tests missile arsenal, has date circled on calendar for more possible provocations, experts sayAfter North Korea conducted a new missile test on Monday, experts warn the hermit country has a date circled on its calendar for more possible provocations.
Source: FoxNews - 🏆 9. / 87 Read more »

Russia Announces Army Nuclear Weapon Drills, Blames West for ProvocationsSource of breaking news and analysis, insightful commentary and original reporting, curated and written specifically for the new generation of independent and conservative thinkers.
Source: BreitbartNews - 🏆 610. / 51 Read more »

State Dept stands by DEI chief who bemoaned White feminism, called America a 'failed historic model'The State Department responded to controversy surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion chief Zakiya Carr Johnson's comments on feminism, race and America.
Source: FoxNews - 🏆 9. / 87 Read more »

Biden's Efforts Have Failed, Iran Close to Nuclear WeaponIran is now closer to nuclear weapons capability than at any time in its history, according to confidential inspection reports and interviews with officials and experts who monitor Tehran's progress, The Washington Post reported Wednesday.
Source: NEWSMAX - 🏆 16. / 71 Read more »