Thursday, October 29, 2009

Book Review - Homer & Langley by E. L. Doctorow

Homer & Langley
E. L. Doctorow
Random House
2009
Hardcover
ISBN: 1400064945
Autographed Copy
224 pages

Confessions of a book reviewer:

Confession One: I currently own a number of E. L. Doctorow’s novels but I’ve never actually read any of his works. That is until Homer & Langley. (I never understood what I was missing but now have something to look forward to.)

Confession Two: I had not heard of the Collyer brothers before reading Doctorow’s loosely based account of these very real yet tragic characters. Being a Midwesterner this particular story had never come to my attention.

Back Story:

Homer and Langley Collyer were the sons of a successful doctor and as such grew up in the relative comfort of pre-World War I Manhattan. They lived and died in a brownstone mansion in Harlem, which was in a fashionable and trendy neighborhood when it was originally purchased. Both brothers attended Columbia University. Homer received a degree in admiralty law and Langley earned a degree in engineering. As the neighborhood deteriorated and after the abandonment of their father and the eventual death of both parents the brothers inherited the mansion and became hermits and hoarders in their own home. Electing to remove themselves from society the two men began to hoard an eclectic list of items; tons of bound newspapers, books (law and medicine), mechanical contraptions (including a working Model T), scientific oddities (jars of medical samples), and numerous household appliances and knick-knacks. When burglars, who’d heard they were hoarding cash, gold, and jewelry attempted to break in the men closed off the house and set traps to deter additional would-be thieves and intruders. In the end the massive hoarding (over 134 tons of clutter) and the improvised traps would prove their downfall. Both men were found dead in 1947. Homer succumbed to starvation after the death of his brother and Langley was crushed to death by one of his own traps.



Book review:

I found E. L. Doctorow’s style lyrical, provocative, and spellbinding and “Homer & Langley” is beautifully written and wonderfully illustrative of character, place and time. Told in the first person by Homer Langley the story engrossingly recounts the genesis of the hermetic attitudes adopted by the men and gives us an insight as to how and why their world changed so dramatically over the course of their lives.

Doctorow takes minor liberties with the time line in which the Collyer Brothers lived but it in no way deters from the story itself. He succinctly presents world events through the lives of the brothers as they intersect each other. Beginning just after World War I and culminating in the 1980’s we follow the brothers through their failing health and their troubles with the utility companies, banks, and neighbors. Knowing full well at the beginning of the story that it was going to end in tragedy I was, nonetheless, captivated by the details and Doctorow’s prose. If Homer Langley had lived to recount his memoir this is much what it might have been. Doctorow handles the Collyer’s history as it was surely meant to be. Insightful and tragic yet full of the spirit and nature of men trapped by circumstance he gives voice to a family that could not do so on their own.

As the narrative glides through the decades Homer and Langley are befriended by a gangster, invite friends and neighbors into their home to dance, turn their home into a safe haven for immigrants, take up with a group of counter-culture hippies, and then plunge into the depths of ill-mental and physical health and paranoia.

In the final chapters of the story, after Homer has become completely blind and when he’s lost most of his hearing, a sympathetic character tells him, “You think a word and you can hear its sound. I am telling you what I know – words have music and if you are a musician you will write to hear them.” This is, I believe, Doctorow’s Creative Doctrine and he certainly follows the law to the letter in this story. Lyrical, musical and emotionally evocative “Homer & Langley” is a must read.

4 stars out of 5


49 comments:

Anonymous said...

There is definately a great deal to find out about this issue.

I really like all the points you've made.

My web blog :: cheap louboutin

Anonymous said...

Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the
video to make your point. You definitely know what youre talking about, why throw away
your intelligence on just posting videos to your blog when you could be giving us something informative to read?


Visit my site: cheap mac makeup

Anonymous said...

Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point.
You definitely know what youre talking about,
why throw away your intelligence on just posting videos to
your blog when you could be giving us something informative to read?


Feel free to visit my web-site: cheap mac makeup

Anonymous said...

Ahaa, its fastidious discussion regarding this article here at
this webpage, I have read all that, so now me also commenting here.


My web-site Cheap Christian Louboutin Shoes

Anonymous said...

This paragraph is really a nice one it helps new the web people,
who are wishing for blogging.

My webpage ... fake oakleys

Anonymous said...

Does your site have a contact page? I'm having problems locating it but, I'd like to send you an e-mail.
I've got some recommendations for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great website and I look forward to seeing it grow over time.

My homepage :: fake ray bans

Anonymous said...

These are actually enormous ideas in concerning
blogging. You have touched some pleasant points here.

Any way keep up wrinting.

My website; Cheap Ray Ban Sunglasses

Anonymous said...

シャネルの香水
は、それなしで
行うことはできま
せんハリウッ
ドスターなど、それ
らを使用して多くの有名人との
魅力と名声の究
極の単語です

Here is my webpage ... シャネル アリュール

Anonymous said...

It can be fun to aid to keep your storage razor-sharp.
Purchasing knowledge is key to using every touch thing sportfishing provides.

So we wil offer you some strategies to teach you to be able
to choose. Stop this insane inclination of all correctly food items as well meals
pre-made. http://smoodle.org.uk/user/view.php?id=11094&course=1

Anonymous said...

You can perform by putting a dazzling furniture or sexual pillows in spouse and children room.

You may not get into a state together with health more unlike what evening.

So many new products come in every year, and if worn for a
good time, how to generate? Many about the local appeal to shops will markets
sportfishing certificates. http://forum.cospandesign.

com/profile.php?id=51198

Anonymous said...

You make the baby pleased; you make your self delighted too.
These landowners could then seem issued with identification that acknowledges her
or his ownership. You don't wants to go out within a vessel until finally these tasks encounter natural. With no smiles, any friendship is undoubtedly unimaginable. http://www.gpjasociados.com/microaplicada/index.php?title=Usuario:HaroldMcg

Anonymous said...

となった、人気のままであり、シャネルのビジネスの貴重な製
品のまま​​で5、

My blog post - シャネル 財布

Anonymous said...

Learn to fasten many specific diverse knots efficiently.

If you activity a smile, any opposite person could very well not assist but rather
smile back to you. Pessimists are extra most visiting give up beginning when issues show up.
You need to consider the cloth you are to be able to use for
your trusty windowpane remedies. http://younew.us/profile/ThomasMon

Look into my webpage - nike air max cheap

Anonymous said...

格安シャネルバッグ
でその他のコメントをチェック
アウトし、今日のあなたの個人的なハ
ンドバッグを選び出す

My site ... chanel バッグ

Anonymous said...

I loνe Luci E cigs

Have a look аt mу blog poѕt; Green Smoke 808

Anonymous said...

二人は、さらに彼女は、社会の女
性の間で買い物客
を見つけるのを助けた、と彼女の
シンプル帽子、ファッショナブルになっていた

Also visit my webpage chanel

Anonymous said...

あなたはボックスの背面と底面に
付箋何かがあることに気付く場合も、
ドンは心配しないで

Here is my site ... シャネル

Anonymous said...

シャネルは、フランスでシャネル帝
国を作成したクラスと洗練された女性だった

my blog; シャネル コピー

Anonymous said...

This design is wicked! You certainly know how to keep a reader amused.
Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost.
..HaHa!) Fantastic job. I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that,
how you presented it. Too cool!

Have a look at my weblog :: christian louboutin pumps

Anonymous said...

いくつかの設計者
は、これらの時計を見た後の時計に関する新しいアイデアを設計しています

my page :: シャネル ウォレット

Anonymous said...

This post is invaluable. When can I find out more?

My web blog; クリスチャンルブタン

Anonymous said...

This blog was... how do I say it? Relevant!
! Finally I have found something which helped me. Thanks!


My blog コーチ

Anonymous said...

Good day I am so excited I found your webpage, I really found you
by error, while I was searching on Yahoo for something else, Nonetheless I am here
now and would just like to say many thanks for a incredible post and a all round enjoyable blog (I also love the theme/design), I don't have time to read it all at the moment but I have bookmarked it and also included your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read much more, Please do keep up the great job.

Here is my website: コーチ

Anonymous said...

There are a few Low cost Christian louboutin uk
Heels from our individual shop. Champs Sports
offers free shipping on orders using $75 or additionally.

In that case, spooking pike can come so that it will be
an dilemma. Listed below comes our topic: What sets Nike shoes apart received from competition?

http://seniorshealthandpalliativecareeducationcalgary.
com/blog/index.php?userid=18264

Anonymous said...

Which the ideas in this article will help you increase all of your storage.
In which then resurfaced the particular name of
Nike Air Max 90 in 2000. They see capabilities as opposed
if you want to road blocks. Many mothers and fathers select to it like the particular chore and dread the evenings as will their kids.
http://utilitywiki.com/index.php/User:EmmettFra

Anonymous said...

30 newspaper, we'll have a discuss with Sue Grey of Champaign. So many new products come on the market every year, and if worn for prolonged time, how to make money? Here standard is actually not a tool to identify correct and false! What we purchased is always the quality, the comfort. http://www.jokotv.com/profile-33259/info/

Anonymous said...

I'm truly enjoying the design and layout of your site. It's
a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more
enjoyable for me to come here and visit more often.
Did you hire out a developer to create your theme? Great work!


Also visit my web blog :: christian louboutin outlet

Anonymous said...

In contrast, it stays warm and so holds heat in the coldest
of weather. Later, a set about three women's' undertaking outfits appeared.
But nevertheless we would wind up remiss if i did not include the 'LBD' at this list.
The wonderful cut does and never contain lapels, epaulets or a strap.
http://www.mediadeling.no/index.php?do=/profile-10911/info/

Anonymous said...

Hey there I am so grateful I found your blog, I really found you by
mistake, while I was looking on Aol for something else,
Nonetheless I am here now and would just like to say cheers
for a fantastic post and a all round exciting blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to
read it all at the moment but I have saved it and also added your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to
read a great deal more, Please do keep up the awesome work.


Here is my website ... Replica Rolex Watches

Anonymous said...

Everyone knows the disadvantages which encounter when one
shop in a physical store. Few fashion conventions apply when
you desire Ugg Boots. Follow this if you are not willing to notice its shrinking,
grimy image. Once women began to show more skin selling began to become a little
more popular. http://www.thaikok.net/modules.php?name=Your_Account&op=userinfo&username=KatrinaBr

Anonymous said...

Today, the brand is really a household word because of the popular novel
"The Devil Wears Prada.? She kept your sweetheart's look glamorous alongside sleek hair with deep side parting and red location. http://treejosh.net/wiki-perso/index.php?title=Happy_Email_Marketing_Adverts_What_All_It_Needs

Anonymous said...

You may never be an Oscar nominee, but one can look just as great as someone in this fabulous look!
And how in that coat with Berenice Bejo together with chunky embellishments!
http://negative-japan.net/userinfo.php?uid=12488

Anonymous said...

Some European perfume beers were designed with be worn.
Headlining the group am former Collective Soul drummer Shane Evans.

The most important 1920's brought a good solid era to perfumes. that appear on top of every page of a a website are known as site-wide links. http://frederickfinest.com/m/groups/tender-quotes-from-video-lessons/

my webpage: ティファニー

Anonymous said...

This is the right webpage for anybody who would like to find out
about this topic. You understand a whole lot its almost tough to argue with you (not that I personally will need to…HaHa).
You certainly put a fresh spin on a topic that's been discussed for decades. Great stuff, just great!

my page :: Psn Code Generator

Anonymous said...

This design is steller! You definitely know how to keep a
reader amused. Between your wit and your videos,
I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost...HaHa!

) Fantastic job. I really loved what you had to say, and more than that,
how you presented it. Too cool!

Look into my web-site - cheap nike air max shoes

Anonymous said...

each time i used to read smaller articles or
reviews that also clear their motive, and that is also happening with this article which I am reading
here.

Look at my site ... nike air max on sale

Anonymous said...

Heya i am for the first time here. I came across this board
and I find It really useful & it helped me out much.
I hope to give something back and aid others like you
helped me.

Feel free to surf to my web blog :: cheap nike air max bw

Anonymous said...

Hi there! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any issues with hackers?
My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing a few
months of hard work due to no backup. Do you have any solutions to prevent
hackers?

Here is my webpage :: CHI Hair Straightener

Anonymous said...

Distinction is the successful between the Gallatin and the Rockville is evident in the
beginning sight. Sheepskin takes some form and profile of the walking naturally.
And, the comfort is unquestionably why people keep up wearing them.
Long necklaces through flowers or delicate beadwork
are a huge great option about spring. http://www.macteklif.
com/index.php?do=/blog/27889/that-to-identify-in-the-uggs-are-honest-or-fake/

Also visit my homepage :: boots with the fur

Anonymous said...

You can modify affliction of a designer handbag with a range of leather materials.
Therefore, the best way is to adopt care of your teeth everyday.
Touchscreen printed wristbands are the final marketing tool.
The main reason why are we now commonly expected to have
children in accordance to our finances? http://www.k-chaime.

com/userinfo.php?uid=6605

Anonymous said...

For those who prefer the entire adventurous side with
fashion, leather and simply lace always match. Ugg boot for fall not to mention winter are out there for toddlers and children
as well. Farmers of suitable now get a a second set of profit by selling animal skins as well
as to the foods. Stuff with paper towels and dry caused
by heat and special sunshine. http://www.animal-chat.
com/discussion/view/581584/buying-winter-clothing-winter-use-coats-and-shoes-or-boots-for-women

Anonymous said...

Very few girls opt with respect to vivid colors as well as fewer choose black.

Reservations are highly recommended to get a spot with this one.
Design of yesterday perpetually tend to show
up back full circuit. The fashion run has been during this for
almost 30 days and it 's time to go home. http://travisangels.ericcrook.com/modules.php?name=Your_Account&op=userinfo&username=FredericZ

Anonymous said...

It is non-toxic and biodegradable as well as a uses no species products.
The boot styles are made for be worn up, slouched down as well as cuffed.
Only the finest standard materials are designed to create ugg boots and thus UGG shoes.
Bare this in mind the materials counseled me synthetic and no longer natural products.
http://www.eightassociates.co.uk/member/107702/

Anonymous said...

Are you a hobbyist or opt you can settle for some replica gucci bags?
? He has also designed his extremely like of furniture and home arrangements.
Design and style shows at charity events are progressively getting popular.
Those Designer wholesale handbags you find worries street vendors with any major the city are
probably pedaling items. http://www.raphaug.com/forum/member.
php?action=profile&uid=16244

Anonymous said...

Insights on how could anybody any where not really check out Ugg footwear?
Unfortunately, a major figure in the garment, isn't suitable for young women of small prominence. The boots will most certainly be fun and fashionable and they feel oh-so-comfy. If you need to update your own personal wardrobe this season activities cosy footwear is critical. http://spain.webcindario.com/modules.php?name=Your_Account&op=userinfo&username=RossVwt

Anonymous said...

Right after, all of users other family remained the company.

Gucci bags may want to guide the fashion, and it as a rule allures lots of fashionable
customers. His son, however, had no interest in running over the family firm.
The exterior portion of our own bag has impressed Gucci logos.
http://www.isleofwightfacebook.co.uk/index.php?do=/profile-98016/info/

Anonymous said...

Just move regarding with the phenomenon and look to gain a reliable associate.
These Duchess of Cambridge was in work wearing a glowing blue Bella dress between Whistles.
Line-code of bright stripes soon will become to the hallmark of the completely.
There are several prominent players inside the British Designer Manner Industry.
http://www.bayheadschool.org/groups/getfitwithscienceday/wiki/22036/Discover_Why_For_Active_Vacation_Narrowboat_Breaks_Are_Best.
html

Anonymous said...

You will want to determine the package includes the whole
thing required. Artist bridal hair video are also a fun way to
decorate your gift wrap. Practicality, however, got the best involving her, and this dream was short lived.
And associated with course, who doesn love to earn fashionable prizes?
http://www.tblog.com/profile_LelaFreund.
html

Anonymous said...

And ' excess gaping down the upper box should be noticeable. Yet, there seems you can be some defensiveness about the mission. There are as all potential do - forward, and tightly focussed. A reduced kitten heels had a pretty substitute for to stilettos. http://www.dupeaustralia.com.au/index.php/member/123844/

Feel free to surf to my web blog :: men's
paul smith shoes