10 Reasons Why "Private Citizens" is the Most Overrated Novel of the Decade
"Private Citizens" by Tony Tulathimutte is like a hipster's dream gone wrong, a novel that tries too hard to be the voice of a generation but ends up being a cacophony of pretentiousness. Released in 2016, this book is set in the bustling tech hub of San Francisco and follows the lives of four millennials as they navigate the complexities of adulthood. But let's be real, it's more of a guide on how not to live your life. Here's why this novel is the most overrated piece of fiction in recent memory.
Characters You Love to Hate: The novel's protagonists are a quartet of self-absorbed, whiny millennials who make you want to throw the book across the room. They're the kind of people who think the world owes them something just because they exist. It's hard to root for characters who are so unlikable and entitled.
Plot? What Plot?: If you're looking for a gripping storyline, look elsewhere. "Private Citizens" meanders through the lives of its characters without any real direction. It's like watching a reality TV show where nothing ever happens, but with more navel-gazing.
Overly Intellectualized Drivel: The novel is filled with pseudo-intellectual musings that are more confusing than enlightening. It's as if the author is trying to impress readers with his vocabulary rather than tell a compelling story.
San Francisco Stereotypes: The book leans heavily on tired stereotypes of San Francisco, painting it as a city full of tech bros and social justice warriors. It's a caricature that doesn't do justice to the real diversity and complexity of the city.
Millennial Angst Overload: The novel is a masterclass in millennial angst, but not in a good way. It wallows in the characters' existential crises without offering any real insight or resolution. It's like a therapy session that never ends.
Pretentious Prose: Tulathimutte's writing style is as pretentious as it gets. The prose is dense and overwrought, making it a chore to read. It's as if the author is more interested in showing off his literary chops than telling a good story.
Lack of Emotional Depth: Despite its focus on the inner lives of its characters, the novel lacks genuine emotional depth. The characters' struggles feel superficial and contrived, making it hard to care about their fates.
A Snapshot of Privilege: The novel is a snapshot of privilege, focusing on characters who have the luxury of worrying about their existential crises while ignoring the real struggles faced by many in society. It's a myopic view that feels out of touch with reality.
Critics' Darling, Readers' Nightmare: While critics have praised the novel for its supposed insight into millennial life, many readers have found it to be a tedious and frustrating read. It's a classic case of critics being out of touch with what readers actually want.
A Missed Opportunity: "Private Citizens" had the potential to be a powerful commentary on modern life, but it falls short. Instead of offering a fresh perspective, it rehashes tired themes and fails to deliver any meaningful message.
In the end, "Private Citizens" is a novel that tries to be profound but ends up being profoundly disappointing. It's a reminder that just because something is critically acclaimed doesn't mean it's worth your time. Save yourself the headache and pick up a book that actually delivers on its promises.