Click on a thumbnail to go to Google Books.
Loading... Being There (original 1971; edition 1972)by Jerzy Kosinski
Work InformationBeing There by Jerzy Kosiński (1971)
Loading...
Sign up for LibraryThing to find out whether you'll like this book. No current Talk conversations about this book. In Chance, or Chauncey Gardiner as he becomes known to the world, Jerzy Kosinski, has provided the other characters of this story as well as the reader a way to project what they want to see and hear in a person. Chance, who appears to suffer from some form of mental impairment (some version of autism?), cannot read nor write, he can converse without a problem, although his conversations are mostly limited to television and his gardening, as he knows nothing outside these two elements. Fate throws Chance into the political consiciousness of the world, and everyone who encounters him takes his simple answers as deep thought analogies or admissions. Chance is not lying, simply speaking of what he knows, which is pretty limited. People project their hopes, desires and plans on him and his words, not realizing that he is unable to understand even their most basic needs. A great (but short) read. Will provide plenty to discuss and ponder. This is one of the more unique stories whose film adaptation was spot on. Chauncey Gardener's sheltered life, mild manner and view of the world is unlike others. His unusual metaphor of 'life's seasonal changes' is profound; so much so the president embodies it. As a film buff, this was one of the best roles for Peter Sellers especially when adding Shirley MacLaine and countless other Oscar winners to the cast. A classic in its own right, I highly recommend this book for those who seek to be uplifted. no reviews | add a review
Belongs to Publisher SeriesBezige Bij pocket (90) Literaire reuzenpocket (360) Medusa [Mondadori] (11) Is contained inHas the adaptationAwardsDistinctionsNotable Lists
A modern classic now available from Grove Press, Being There is one of the most popular and significant works from a writer of international stature. It is the story of Chauncey Gardiner - Chance, an enigmatic but distinguished man who emerges from nowhere to become an heir to the throne of a Wall Street tycoon, a presidential policy adviser, and a media icon. Truly "a man without qualities," Chance's straightforward responses to popular concerns are heralded as visionary. But though everyone is quoting him, no one is sure what he's really saying. And filling in the blanks in his background proves impossible. Being There is a brilliantly satiric look at the unreality of American media culture that is, if anything, more trenchant now than ever. No library descriptions found. |
Current DiscussionsNonePopular covers
Google Books — Loading... GenresMelvil Decimal System (DDC)813.54Literature English (North America) American fiction 20th Century 1945-1999LC ClassificationRatingAverage:
Is this you?Become a LibraryThing Author. |
The ending is a bit ambiguous, so it's definitely worth watching the film to see how Kosinski's screenplay differs slightly from his novel. ( )