This just in (again): the New York Times has discovered that authors are writing about 9/11 and their reactions to said tragedy. We realize that it’s a lot to ask, but it would be great if such a major newspaper looked back at its previous coverage of this issue and found a different way to tackle reviews of related books. Especially since offering a high-level overview of books tackling this subject matter doesn’t really offer the opportunity for depth and analysis. Though, more time and space would surely eliminate statements of the obvious (yes, it is a cranky day, thank you for asking):
The toll of a wartime atmosphere has always been an intriguing subject for novelists; even today’s almost-instant reactions have their precedents. One of Graham Greene’s most haunting books, “The Ministry of Fear,” was set in London during the blitz, written in 1942 and published in 1943, while World War II still raged. The novel, about a man accidentally caught up in political intrigue, is almost a template for today’s anxieties.
Finally, varying the headlines will reduce the chances for astute readers to think they’ve read the article before.
