There is a world inside the world. When I first delved into the JFK assassination, it was a profound awakening that the world isn't as it seems. I immersed myself in every bit of information available, be it books, the Oliver Stone movie, or my family's encyclopedias. This exploration was a life-altering experience, marking a healthy departure from the naivety I once held about the world.

As a man of my age reading Libra, I was quickly drawn into Delillo's "work of imagination." Having sampled a few of his books before without much impression, I was thoroughly engaged with Libra due to its subject matter. The contrast between the seemingly cold, informative writing and the emotional aspects of the individuals as human beings, fathers, husbands, and brothers was captivating. The characters from the JFK assassination story are all here, from LHO to Jack Ruby, and various FBI and CIA agents with real-life connections.

Delillo uses this plot as a vehicle to meditate on the nature of plots in our personal lives and beyond. Although there are obvious parts and plans at play, there is perhaps something more profound at work. In fact, the book's title is derived from the astrological sign of Lee Harvey Oswald's birth. Make no mistake, this book isn't about astrology; it's about exploring the meaning and purpose of plot in the lives of the world, the country, and the individual players. We often get so caught up in our plans that we overlook possible outcomes that could be detrimental to those involved and beyond.

The combination of action and philosophy makes this a truly memorable thriller. I may be biased towards the subject matter, but I'm not a diehard Delillo fan. Even after reading this five-star book, I probably won't become one. I'm somewhere between objective and subjective, and I can say with confidence that this is definitely a top ten book of the year for me.

Libra is an extraordinarily powerful novel,无疑是德利洛的巅峰之作（我知道有些人觉得他的作品时好时坏，但对我来说，他通常总能一击即中）。

这部小说完全符合我的喜好；它以一种高度依赖事实但又被虚构化的方式处理一个历史事件（肯尼迪遇刺案），并以此来探讨关于某个特定时刻、社会结构和价值观以及关于人性的重大问题。在这里面的某个地方，有一段关于历史事件的事实、人们生活的真相和想象中的现实之间的界限的精彩段落，我认为它真正抓住了德利洛在这里想要表达的东西。

这不是一部关于李·哈维·奥斯瓦尔德是否应该承担责任的小说，而是一部关于塑造了20世纪60年代初美国社会的政治和文化关切的小说。

尽管这是一本具有挑战性的读物，但我发现它非常引人入胜、发人深省且富有探究性。

If someone wants to start delving into the work of DeLillo, perhaps they should begin with this novel, which I translated into Portuguese for Sextante in 2013. Coincidentally, my translation was published precisely on the 50th anniversary of the assassination of JFK.

The title of the novel, "Libra", is due to the fact that Lee Harvey Oswald, the assassin of JFK (at least according to the "official" thesis), is a Libra. Now, DeLillo emphasizes throughout the novel the contradictory nature of Oswald: a cowardly and courageous man, balanced and deranged, a dyslexic who read voraciously, a heroic and grotesque figure. And he puts this reflection in the mouth of a character: "This guy is sitting on the scales, ready to tip to one side or the other."

Throughout this novel, DeLillo makes the assassination of Kennedy and the circumstances surrounding it the perfect symbol of a paranoid America, distrustful of its own shadow, violent and pitiless. He emphasizes that life, in all its banality, contains countless labyrinths within it. That we don't need to invent highly elaborate conspiracy theories to explain the torrent of coincidences and paradoxes that we are confronted with at every step.

Finally, beneath the guise of insignificance and fanatical madness, Oswald personifies, in this novel, the profound loneliness of the human being. Oswald's mother, Marguerite, is so fascinating in her madness and frenzy that DeLillo cannot resist ending the four hundred and fifty-odd pages of "Libra" with a rambling diatribe from this mother, convinced that her son was a toy in the hands of History, in the hands of the secret services, of the government. It is the voice of the unbalanced lovers of conspiracy theories, but it is also the voice of the genuine pain of a mother who has lost her beloved son. Assassins also have a mother, assassins also have someone who cries for them. And this is perhaps the most inscrutable mystery of the entire story, which DeLillo tells in a masterful style: Kennedy was easy to love, Oswald was a deeply unlovable being. What to do with him, how to love him?

There are multiple reasons why I selected this book to consume a couple of weeks of my reading time.

Primarily, I desired an introduction to DeLillo as I was aware that his works could be challenging to read, yet I still craved entertainment. The subject matter holds great significance to me as the Kennedy assassination gave birth to perhaps the most extensive collection of conspiracy theories in our nation's history.

The majority of the story took place during the historical period in which I was born (1960) and significantly influenced and colored a substantial part of the collective history that shaped my upbringing. My own father was captivated by the event and was unafraid to pose tough questions while vacationing in Dallas.

My daughter now resides in Dallas, and on a chilly March day, we visited the book depository. I was astounded by the proximity of the street from the 6th floor; it seemed highly plausible that this could have occurred.

Finally, I recall purchasing this book for my father when it was first published in 1988, back when I was devouring book reviews. I don't believe he ever read it, and I suspect the first edition hardback is gathering dust somewhere. (I have now asked him to locate and read it, and I intend to retrieve that original copy for my own collection!)

I didn't deliberate much in awarding this book a top rating because, overall, it is highly entertaining and masterfully arranged and written. Like the event itself, it is a whirlwind of characters and backstories.

It shouldn't surprise me, but often it does, that the nature of man remains unchanged. Even in my infancy, a time I'd like to think when people were more generous or normal, they were just as venal, petty, hateful, weak-willed, and conniving as they are today.

It was beneficial that I knew the plot and recognized the names of the characters. Otherwise, the tale might have appeared preposterous, and I would have accused the author of excessive indulgence in fantasy.

The Oswald character is portrayed in all his contradictory and confused mental state, dyslexic yet intelligent, moving from one minor failure to another, longing for a grand stage. I had forgotten that he had attempted to assassinate a public figure before JFK.

This novel captured the fervor and profound fear of communism, from Russia to China to Cuba. The motivations of the conspirators made sense, with anger towards the first Catholic president for not supporting the invasion of Cuba, which led to the Bay of Pigs fiasco.

The massive CIA and other agency apparatuses ran amok, with disgruntled and powerful shadowy agents devising plots that went awry yet coincidentally came together. DeLillo must have been delighted when he realized that the truth of history is best told in novel form since reality (alas) will never be fully known by mankind.

In a sense, this event strikes at the core of all historical accounts in that the specific details of the events cannot be known with absolute certainty. Reality is indeed stranger than fiction, and what a remarkable plot where an idea to stage a failed assassination plot spirals out of control and leads to a series of events ultimately resulting in the violent death of the most flamboyantly powerful man in the world (sealing his fate as a highly cherished figure and what some, falsely, consider the end of innocence for that era).

The sordid backdrop of New Orleans hardliners and peripherals, such as Jack Ruby, was brilliantly depicted.

DeLillo employed some unusual techniques with first and third person, switching within the same paragraph. This was surely an intentional device, but its exact effect eludes me. All I know is that the entire composition worked beautifully, and this was a page-turner for me.

The characters, even when their true nature remains unknowable, are deep, real, and carefully nuanced. I'll share a small excerpt to showcase the talent of this writer (p. 295), when an unemployed ex-agent was relishing being back in the game, sitting in the swamps of Florida with other like-minded ex-warriors, training for an as-yet unidentified mission:

"The wind was battering the shack. They talked for hours, telling funny and bloody stories. Wayne felt sweet and light as Jesus on a moonbeam."

The facet that DeLillo delves into within this historical crime, specifically the assassination of President Kennedy, is the potency of the plot. It is evident that Lee Oswald did not act in solitude. There exists an entire dimension of the crime that persistently challenges the 'lonesome' narrative surrounding the murder. Lee was not a solo operator; he was but one piece of a complex puzzle that was deliberately shut down to stymie the investigation.

This novel does not solely focus on the crime itself. Instead, we are introduced to a plethora of elements, including his family, the CIA, Lee's missteps, and various twists and turns. DeLillo aims to evoke sympathy from the reader towards Lee, as in a sense, he is a victim. He is a victim of poverty, ill fortune, and the absence of a paternal figure to guide him. Of course, these factors do not excuse him for the act of killing the president (assuming he was the one who dealt the fatal blow). He was cognizant of his actions. If he is a victim, he is also a murderer. He could have exerted more effort to strive for a better life rather than being drawn into a situation that he believed was his destiny. But the question lingers... to what degree was he culpable?

I read this book back in the summer of 2011.

Recently, I just came across a fragment of my reading notes from that time.

I noted down the hard-boiled tough guy persona of the protagonist, which was quite interesting.

The city street talk also added a certain flavor to the story.

The variety of voices and registers not only encompassed Lee's experiences but also his mother's testimony, making the narrative more complex and multi-faceted.

I particularly liked the split between Texas and New Orleans, which provided a vivid contrast in settings.

Overall, however, I have to admit that this book didn't add a whole lot to my understanding or imagination of the Kennedy assassination.

As a result, I haven't been inspired to read more from DeLillo.

After all, it's a very long book, and it requires a significant time commitment for what I felt was not that much of a payoff.

Maybe others might have a different perspective, but for me, this was my experience with the book.

In "Libra", the erudite DeLillo writes a multi-layered and multi-dimensional fictional account of the assassination that shook the United States.

The parallel stories and the plethora of people and characters seem like a tangled web. Don't start this book expecting answers - beyond the version of the character of Oswald that the author constructs here and which could hold true, there are many conspiracy theories - and all are possible, I would say.

So read "Libra" to admire the excellent writing of the great American author!

\\n  
"If we are on the outside, we assume that a conspiracy is the perfect application of a plan. Silent anonymous men with hard hearts. A conspiracy is everything that normal life is not. It is the inner game, cold, sure, seamless, forever closed off from us. We are the ones who make mistakes, the innocents, who try to make some sense out of a bad idea. Conspiracies have logic and courage beyond our ken. All conspiracies are the same taut story of men who find coherence in some criminal act."
\\n


3.5 stars

Folks should truly talk about this as a Great American Novel.

It has the potential to be a literary masterpiece that captures the essence of the American experience.

The story could be filled with rich characters, complex relationships, and themes that resonate with readers on a deep level.

It might explore the dreams, hopes, and struggles of ordinary people in a changing society.

Perhaps it could delve into the history and culture of America, showing how it has evolved over time.

By discussing this work as a Great American Novel, we can bring attention to its significance and encourage others to read and appreciate it.

It could spark conversations and debates about what makes a great novel and what it means to be an American.

Ultimately, this could lead to a greater understanding and appreciation of our literature and our nation.

Most people don't like playing with known history facts. However, in this story, it is done with such remarkable skill. We are drawn into Oswald's head, seeing his serious nature. He lives in a fantasy world, hampered by his limited skills. He has a Russian wife with the American dream that he simply can't provide for, all while holding onto his leftist political ideals.

Despite the fact that he murders the president of the United States, there is a strange sense that this guy just can't catch a break. He is like a beaten dog, constantly facing hardships and setbacks.

The other character, who may or may not be a real person or based on a real person, is the CIA agent. This agent is looking at the events after they have transpired, trying to make sense of it all.

This is the second time I have read this book, and I truly hope that someone else will also take a crack at this fascinating text. There is so much depth and complexity to explore within its pages.

I firmly believe that Libra outshines Underworld and White Noise.

Libra offers a unique and captivating experience that sets it apart from the others. Its storyline is engaging, filled with twists and turns that keep the audience on the edge of their seats.

The characters in Libra are well-developed, each with their own distinct personalities and motives. This makes it easy for the viewers to form an emotional connection with them.

In contrast, Underworld and White Noise may have their own merits, but they simply cannot match the allure and excitement of Libra.

Whether it's the stunning visuals, the powerful soundtrack, or the overall atmosphere, Libra has it all. It is a true masterpiece that leaves a lasting impression on anyone who watches it.

So, in my opinion, Libra is the clear winner when it comes to comparing these three works.

Don DeLillo:

I am rather ashamed to confess that after being on this planet for nearly six decades, I had not delved into a single book by Mr. DeLillo. However, approximately six months ago, I made up my mind to rectify this oversight. Firstly, I devoured "The Players," "Libra," "White Noise," and ultimately, every single book penned by this remarkable novelist. In my humble opinion, he ranks among the greatest American novelists of all time. His name rightfully belongs in the company of literary giants such as Faulkner, Hemingway, Dos Passos, Melville, Fitzgerald, and Capote.

His novels offer a vivid portrayal of the world over the past fifty years, a feat unmatched by any other author during the same period. Many of his works, like "The Players," "White Noise," "Great Jones Street," and "Ratner's Star," possess a prescient quality that is both spine-chilling and awe-inspiring. Others, such as "Underground," "Libra," and "Running Dog," are sociological and historical masterpieces.

I firmly believe that at least five of Mr. DeLillo's books are deserving of the Pulitzer Prize. These include "The Players," "Libra," "White Noise," "Underground," and "Great Jones Street." His body of work as a whole is worthy of a Nobel Peace Prize for Literature, yet I highly doubt he will ever receive one. At least, not until the Nobel Peace Prize Committee is composed of knowledgeable and informed individuals who do not have a predisposition to favor authors with a penchant for Communism and socialism.

Perhaps my affection for Mr. DeLillo's works stems from the fact that, like me, he was raised in The Bronx and is a passionate New York Yankee fan. Or maybe, it is simply because I have an eye for great literature, and Mr. DeLillo is undeniably the finest novelist of his generation. Joseph Sciuto

I felt as if I raced through this book with an insatiable desire that I couldn't put it down for more than a few minutes before longing to return to it. It's an engaging retelling of a familiar tale, situated somewhere between Ellroy's American Tabloid and Pynchon's Crying of Lot 49. It's like bubble gum that contains vitamins and antioxidants; it's healthy yet comes with an incredibly enjoyable experience. You ride along on the narrative momentum, with occasional rest stops of brilliant social analysis.

Libra had been on my "to read" list for a long time.

I'm so happy to have finally had the opportunity to experience it. It's a book that truly captivates from start to finish, keeping you hooked with its unique blend of story and analysis. The way the author weaves the narrative is masterful, creating a world that you can't help but get lost in. Whether you're a fan of crime fiction or just looking for a good read, Libra is definitely worth checking out.