Don DeLillo’s novel, “White Noise” follows Professor Jack Gladney and his family as they grapple with an unsettling but horrifically comedic exploration of life in modern America and consumerism. “White Noise,” despite being first published in 1985, remains remarkably relatable today.
Jack’s life is punctuated by supermarket rituals, academic jargon and an ever-present anxiety, all disrupted by an “Airborne Toxic Event” that forces the characters to confront their mortality more directly. Through Jack’s increasingly paranoid perspective, DeLillo dissects a culture saturated with media, drugs and meaningless information.
One of the most noticeable aspects of “White Noise” is it’s dry and surprisingly restrained sense of humor. Every aspect of the book has a detached, semi-ironic coating to it that is simultaneously both comedic and earnest.
“White Noise” is well worth the read, particular for those who enjoy satirical readings. Although DeLillo’s prose isn’t difficult, “White Noise” is not the easiest read. Every line is packed with a heavy layer of irony making this a novel that most readers would want to spend more time analyzing. Overall, this novel was heavily enjoyable and a wonderful introduction to DeLillo’s work.
Rating: 8/10