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Sohn's New Book Trashes Own Demographic
By
Jen Carlson
Published Aug 26, 2009
Modified Aug 26, 2009
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By
Jen Carlson
Published Aug 26, 2009
Modified Aug 26, 2009
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Prospect Park West, Amy Sohn's new novel depicting (and picking apart) the people and places in that neighborhood, has fallen into the hands of Smartmom, Louise Crawford. In an incredibly breathy takedown, Crawford comes off as insulted, and maybe a little jealous of the neighborhood author.
For one thing, she doesn't like the Bugaboo culture cliches, the sexless marriages exposed, and whatever else Park Slope parents are generalized for—but then she goes on to say that she's "written about just about everything Sohn covers in the novel." She also seems opposed to Sohn including a frumpy character in her book (named Karen), but then has no problem admitting, "We all know many like Karen and Sohn writes good and mean about this pathetic, unattractive supermom who is obsessed with buying a coop and getting her kid into PS 321."
So who is this book for, aside from the Park Slope moms it insults? Crawford suggests the "superficial" story is perfect for those who think their "prowess giving blow jobs is a true measure of your worth as a person." Heads up, zinger alert!
Concluding the interview with herself, Crawford says she can't decide if she likes the book or not, (someone contains multitudes!) so we came to a conclusion for her: "I don't hate it... I hate that I didn't write it." The End. Or not... we've reached out to Sohn for a comment on her critic.
UPDATE: Sohn tells us, "I was extremely entertained by my friend and neighbor Louise Crawford's review of my novel, Prospect Park West, and look forward to hearing more the next time I see her at Connecticut Muffin."
Tagged
amy sohn
Louise Crawford
park slope
prospect park west
Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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