Netherland
by Joseph O'Neill · first published 2008
50% recommend50% neutral
In a New York City made phantasmagorical by the events of 9/11, Hans--a banker originally from the Netherlands--finds himself marooned among the strange occupants of the Chelsea Hotel after his English wife and son return to London. Alone and untethered, feeling lost in the country he had come to regard as home, Hans stumbles upon the vibrant New York subculture of cricket, where he revisits his lost childhood and, thanks to a friendship with a charismatic and charming Trinidadian named Chuck Ramkissoon, begins to reconnect with his life and his adopted country. Ramkissoon, a Gatsby-like figur
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A bit long, but The Index of Self-Destructive Acts by Dominic Beha has bits touching on tech and business. It is quickly (for its length) read. Another book set in the first decade of the century is Netherland by Joseph O'Neill (nothing in particular to do with tech or business), not long, and quite readable.
on “Ask HN: I only read tech/business books – recommend me some fiction?” ↗Well, there's Joseph O'Neill's novel Netherland.
on “Why is baseball the most literary of sports?” ↗…aside, picked it up again. Probably shorter than <i>The Fountainhead</i> but takes a long time to read. _The Vindication of Tradition_, Jaroslav Pelikan, theology, very short quick read. _Netherland_ by Joseph O'Neill, via the neighborhood book club. Interesting picture of New York, thin characterization. _The Library at Night_, Alberto Manguel, actually a gift to my wife from a friend of hers.…
on “Ask HN: Great books you read in 2009?” ↗