Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 20 votes)
5 stars
7(35%)
4 stars
5(25%)
3 stars
8(40%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
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20 reviews
July 15,2025
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An open insurrection against the government? Why, that couldn't possible happen, could it?

This gritty 1942 novel delves deep into the chronicles of an insurrection that was leveled not only against a radio station but also against other institutions. It vividly描绘s the events that preceded and followed this uprising, employing a diverse range of fascinating styles and techniques.

We are presented with court testimony, newspaper articles, personal accounts, and much more. Fearing shows great courage in jumping back and forth in time, sometimes spanning as much as decades before and after the event. He keenly pinpoints the seeds of fascism and the terrifying aftermath that ensued.

In many ways, this novel is a cousin to Sinclair Lewis's IT CAN'T HAPPEN HERE. However, my only real criticism is that we are left in the dark regarding the motivations of these insurrectionists. Moreover, most of the characters seem rather flat.

On the other hand, as we have witnessed numerous times in the past few years, fairly unremarkable people can easily become part of a mob. Fearing was truly ahead of his time, and I do admire the daring style with which he has crafted this novel.

Overall, despite its flaws, this novel offers a thought-provoking exploration of a potentially disturbing topic.
July 15,2025
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The final ending chapter might seem a touch too conventional considering the structure of the remainder of the work. Undoubtedly, although I took pleasure in it, Fearing's ambition once again outstripped his ability to fully realize it with this particular piece.

However, at the same time, this very ambition (its narrative structure is not only non-linear but distinctly fragmented, featuring over two dozen narrators) lifts it above The Big Clock in my view. While the latter received a rating of 3/5 from me, this one leans more towards a 3.5/5. It is still not without its imperfections, especially in the realm of plotting. Nevertheless, it is engaging enough that I can envision myself re-reading this work before Clock.

Perhaps with a second reading, I will be able to better appreciate the nuances and subtleties that I might have overlooked during my initial perusal.
July 15,2025
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Clark Gifford's Body - Kenneth Fearing

This work has some significant flaws, yet it still manages to achieve some truly remarkable feats. Kenneth Fearing is not the type of author who simply follows the crowd. He has a unique perspective and approach.

For example, consider the thought-provoking idea of supposing you were to switch the radio with the internet. This concept challenges our traditional notions and makes us think about the implications and possibilities.

Fearing's work may not be perfect, but it is this willingness to explore and experiment that makes it stand out. It forces us to question and reevaluate our assumptions about the world around us.

In conclusion, while Clark Gifford's Body has its imperfections, it also has the power to inspire and stimulate our minds. It is a testament to Fearing's creativity and courage as a writer. Clark Gifford's Body - Kenneth Fearing
This has some major flaws, but still does some pretty amazing things. Fearing is not one to follow the crowd. Suppose you switch radio with the internet?
July 15,2025
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July 15,2025
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The prosody of this work is of a pulp nature, yet its structure and concerns, such as the construction of history, are distinctly Modernist. When looking back on the act of reading it, one can't help but find it Borgesian. It is Borgesian in the sense as expressed in the foreword to The Garden of Forking Paths. That is, beside its own synopses and commentaries, the book itself seems almost unnecessary.

I have a particular affection for the back cover. It holds a certain allure that perhaps adds to the overall charm of the work. It's as if the back cover is a small window into the complex and fascinating world that lies within the pages of the book.

Overall, this combination of pulp prosody, Modernist structure, and Borgesian qualities makes the work a truly unique and engaging piece of literature. It invites the reader to explore and discover its many hidden depths and meanings.
July 15,2025
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Experimental, non-linear, and episilatory - this work is truly a ball of difficulty that unfortunately doesn't deliver the expected payoff.

Perhaps I would have had a more favorable opinion if the satire hadn't been so overly forceful. It's hard to believe that the same author is responsible for "The Big Clock."

Both works aim to critique the rapaciousness and society-poisoning tendencies associated with wealth and power. However, "The Big Clock" accomplishes this in a subtle and tense way, while "Clark Gifford's" approach is rather blatant and hits you right over the head.

This stark contrast in styles makes it clear that the author has taken two very different paths in these two works. While "The Big Clock" manages to engage the reader and make them think about the issues at hand in a more nuanced manner, "Clark Gifford's" heavy-handed satire may turn some readers off.

It will be interesting to see which approach the author takes in future works and whether they can find a more balanced way to convey their messages.
July 15,2025
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A good, sad look at what war does to those it puts through hell & those it serves.

War is a cruel and devastating phenomenon that leaves a trail of destruction and heartbreak in its wake. It not only affects the soldiers who are directly involved in the fighting but also the innocent civilians who are caught in the crossfire.

Those who are put through hell by war experience unimaginable horrors. They see their loved ones killed, their homes destroyed, and their lives turned upside down. The physical and emotional trauma they suffer can last a lifetime.

On the other hand, those who serve in war often do so with a sense of duty and patriotism. However, they too are not immune to the effects of war. They may return home with physical injuries, psychological disorders, or a sense of guilt and remorse for the things they have seen and done.

In conclusion, war is a tragedy that has far-reaching consequences for all those involved. It is important that we continue to work towards peace and find more peaceful ways to resolve conflicts.

July 15,2025
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Tragic Satire about the Nature of Political Revolutions

Political revolutions have always been a complex and often tragic subject. They are supposed to bring about positive change and liberation, but all too often, they end in chaos, bloodshed, and the rise of new tyrannies.


This tragic satire delves deep into the nature of political revolutions, exposing their flaws and contradictions. It shows how the ideals and dreams that drive people to revolt can quickly turn into nightmares.


The story follows a group of revolutionaries who rise up against a corrupt and oppressive regime. At first, their cause seems just and noble, and they are supported by the masses. But as the revolution progresses, things start to go wrong.


The revolutionaries become divided, and power struggles break out among them. The once-idealistic leaders begin to abuse their power, and the violence escalates. In the end, the revolution fails, and the people are left worse off than before.


This tragic satire serves as a warning about the dangers of political revolution. It shows that change cannot be achieved through violence and chaos alone. True progress requires careful planning, cooperation, and a commitment to the common good.


Despite its tragic ending, this story is a quick read that will leave you思考 about the nature of political change and the role that we all play in it.
July 15,2025
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This is a truly fantastic book.

It has the power to transport you to different worlds and introduce you to a plethora of unique characters.

The story is engaging from the very beginning, captivating your attention and keeping you hooked until the very end.

The author's writing style is vivid and descriptive, allowing you to picture every scene and emotion in your mind.

Whether you're a fan of adventure, romance, mystery, or any other genre, this book has something for everyone.

It's a must-read for book lovers everywhere.

You'll find yourself completely immersed in its pages, forgetting about the outside world and losing track of time.

Once you pick up this book, you won't be able to put it down.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab a copy and start reading today!

July 15,2025
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CASUALLY RECOMMEND

This book is truly an epic that manages to pack an extraordinary amount of depth and complexity into just a few pages.

One of the most remarkable aspects is the sheer number of viewpoints it presents. It can be quite easy to get lost in the maze of different perspectives, but that's also part of the charm.

The prose is simple, yet it has a vividness that brings the story and the characters to life in the reader's mind.

Despite its brevity, it manages to create a rich and immersive world that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.

It's a fun read that offers something for everyone, whether you're a fan of epic stories, complex characters, or simply a good book.

I highly recommend giving it a try. You won't be disappointed.
July 15,2025
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Kenneth Fearing, an American novelist and poet (1902-1961), is the author of "Clark Gifford’s Body", a forgotten classic of postmodernism. First published in 1942, it was not well received at the time and has remained virtually unknown until the 2006 edition by the New York Review Books (NYRB), which includes an informative introduction by critic Robert Polito. If you're interested in political noir with an experimental fictional style, this is the book for you.

The story revolves around the attack and takeover of a series of radio stations by Clark Gifford and his anti-government followers, leading to twenty years of war. It features several postmodern and experimental elements. For instance, it doesn't follow a conventional linear progression but hops and shifts back and forth in time, covering events before, during, and after the attack, with more than two dozen first-person narrators. It also incorporates various types of texts directly, such as a written proclamation, a letter, a magazine article, press service flashes, and newspaper articles.

Moreover, the novel blurs the boundaries between different subjects usually studied separately, presenting an undifferentiated postmodern jumble of history, social theory, philosophy, and political science. The postmodern experience of space and time is also evident, with a sense of sameness and a lack of specific location and time. Additionally, it uses pastiche rather than parody, as described by literary critic Fredric Jameson.
Overall, "Clark Gifford's Body" is strangely compelling, with its constant freshness of perspectives and unique flare. Kenneth Fearing was a novelist ahead of his time, but unfortunately, other than "The Big Clock", his fiction and poetry are all but forgotten.


July 15,2025
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The premise and the structure of this story were truly interesting. The satire it offers on political and revolutionary movements remains highly relevant even today.

Clark Gifford's Body tells the tale of how a failed revolutionary act gets co-opted and manipulated by various political groups. Their agendas, including Clark Gifford's, seem to be founded on platitudes that are so amorphous and ambiguous. This makes their differences almost meaningless and interchangeable, allowing the characters themselves to easily change sides as they sense the direction of the wind. As a result, the country is left with 20 years of war and hardship, all based on manipulation and the self-interest of a few.

The story is presented out of order through newspaper clippings and first-person accounts. This unique way allows you to gradually piece together the plot and the motives of the characters, something a hypothetical person living through these events might not be able to do. The technique is interesting, but it didn't always fully engage me. The first-person narratives were probably the most effective, but they were usually from the perspective of someone who wasn't one of the main actors. I found myself wishing that the characters and some of the episodes were more compelling, but the form does limit this. However, the unknowability of some of the characters through what they say and do is partly the point. I really liked how language was used to manipulate. The military/political leaders' use of broad, almost meaningless phrases like "freedom" and "taking things back" to motivate people to violence without any concrete ideas or goals definitely strikes a chord.
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