You could also try contacting local funeral homes in West Virginia. They usually keep records of the obituaries of the people they've served. If there are any individuals with the last name Story, they might be able to provide you with relevant information. Additionally, local libraries in West Virginia might have resources such as local history collections or old newspaper clippings that could contain obituaries for the Story family.
One of the highly regarded Franzen novels is 'The Corrections'. It delves deep into the lives of a Midwestern family, exploring themes like family dynamics, the impact of modern society on individuals, and the struggle for personal and family identity. Another great one is 'Freedom'. It examines contemporary American life, relationships, and the pursuit of freedom in different aspects of life.
If you discover obituaries aren't true, it could raise all sorts of ethical and moral questions. It might make you wonder about the motives behind false reporting and the impact it has on families and communities.
There are also female characters who play important roles. They can be strong - willed, and are often in relationships with the male characters, and through these relationships, we see different aspects of their personalities and the story unfolds. For example, they might be struggling with their own careers while also trying to maintain a relationship in a world that has different expectations for men and women.
One main theme is often the complex nature of modern family relationships. Franzen delves into how family members interact, love, and sometimes struggle against one another in the context of contemporary society.
Well, 'The Corrections' stands out as one of his best. It gives a vivid picture of a family in turmoil, with each character having their own flaws and desires. 'Freedom' is also excellent. It's a novel that really makes you think about the nature of freedom in different aspects of life, be it personal relationships or in a broader social context.
I think 'Freedom' could be argued as the best Franzen novel. It follows the lives of Patty and Walter Berglund and their friends. It tackles themes like love, marriage, and the search for meaning in a very engaging and thought - provoking way.
I can't say for certain whether it's worth reading without having read it myself. But considering Franzen's past works, which have been both critically acclaimed and widely debated, his new novel could be a very interesting read. If you enjoy novels that make you think, that dig deep into characters' emotions and motives, and that offer a view of modern society from a unique perspective, then it's probably worth giving it a try.
His novels are known for their detailed and incisive social commentary. Franzen has a way of observing and critiquing modern society, such as consumerism and the digital age's impact on human connection. Through his stories, readers can gain a better understanding of the problems and contradictions in contemporary life.