The Greatest Books: Written by Don DeLillo

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Don DeLillo's books: a beginner's guide - Pan Macmillan

Libra

The story revolves around a narrator, Jack Gladney, who is a professor and head of Hitler studies at a school called College-on-the-Hill in the peaceful town of Blacksmith. He shares his life with his wife Babette, and their children from previous marriages. A recurring theme in their lives are the various half-siblings and ex-spouses who intermittently visit them. Jack has a deep affection for Babette, taking solace in her honesty and domesticity. However, he battles with his self-crafted prestige, fearing being unmasked as an imposter, especially since he doesn't speak German, a requisite for his Hitler studies role. To overcome this, he takes secret German lessons.

Two significant events take centre stage in the narrative: an airborne toxic event and Jack learning about Babette's involvement in a drug trial. Jack stumbles upon his son, Heinrich, observing a smoke cloud, resulting from a train derailment and subsequent fire, which releases a deadly chemical substance in the air. As a result, the entire town evacuates to a disused Boy Scout camp. It's here where Jack discovers he's been exposed to a deadly chemical, Nyodene D., and this revelation sparks an obsession with death. At home, Babette's daughter, Denise, uncovers a bottle of mysterious pills called Dylar that Babette is secretly consuming. Upon confronting her, Babette confesses that the pills are experimental and she believes they can cure her fear of death. She also admits to having an affair with the project's manager, Mr. Gray, to gain access to the drug. After this revelation, Jack discloses his exposure to the lethal chemical and takes Denise's discarded Dylar pills, heightening his death anxiety.

Jack's sleep becomes erratic, he seeks frequent medical attention, and becomes obsessed with decluttering his home. During a surprise visit from his father-in-law, Vernon, he's secretly handed a gun, which eventually accompanies him to class. He confides in his friend and colleague, Murray, about his fear of death. Murray theorizes that committing murder can alleviate the fear of death, an idea that starts to consume Jack. Armed with this notion and the gun, Jack confronts Willie Mink, Babette's affair partner and Dylar project manager, intending to kill him. However, after shooting Mink, Jack is shot before driving Mink to the hospital to save his life. On the final day, Jack watches his son, Wilder, narrowly escape death while crossing a highway, allowing Jack to finally let go of his death fear. The narrative concludes with Jack, Babette, and Wilder enjoying the beautiful sunsets and a reshuffled supermarket, throwing everyone into confusion.

4 Best Don DeLillo Books of All Time

Libra

White Noise

Underworld

A Novel

Mao II

A Novel

Sources

What To Read Next

4 Best Don DeLillo Books of All Time

Libra

White Noise

Underworld

A Novel

Mao II

A Novel

Sources

What To Read Next

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