After just these first couple readings I find Libra to be quite interesting. At first I was a little confused about what was going on, because the novel jumps between two stories that take place in two different times but never gives us years. De Lillo leaves hints that are up to the reader to pick up on and some what develop a time setting from there. I was almost more confused than I was while reading Mumbo Jumbo.
Yet after getting some clarification in class, I have a better understanding of the story. I see that Lee had a some what troubled childhood and I am anticipating seeing how all of his childhood troubles lead up to his assassination of the president John F. Kennedy.
I also admire the writing style of De Lillo. When first reading i did not realize that the David Ferrie that Lee buys the gun from is the same David Ferrie that Win Everett calls on the phone. De Lillo connects the two stories in a way that I did not quite expect considering that Win Everett is investigating the possibility of an organization planning an attempted assassination on the president and not the case of Lee Harvey Oswald.
Yes--like in any good thriller, the reader is advised to pay close attention to names and connections, to juggle multiple plotlines, and to be alert for connections between them. Plots are all about connections--especially conspiracy theories!
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