The Broom of the System

The Broom of the System follows Lenore Beadsman, a 24-year-old telephone operator in Cleveland whose life becomes complicated when her great-grandmother disappears from a nursing home. The story takes place against the backdrop of 1980s America, mixing elements of corporate culture, family dynamics, and linguistic philosophy. Lenore must navigate relationships with an array of characters including her peculiar boyfriend Rick Vigorous, her talking cockatiel, and the employees at her workplace. The plot encompasses multiple interconnected threads involving missing persons, corporate intrigue, and questions of personal identity. The narrative structure incorporates various formats including transcripts, dialogues, and traditional prose. The events span several months as Lenore attempts to locate her great-grandmother while managing increasing chaos in both her professional and personal life. The novel explores philosophical questions about language, reality, and the nature of existence. It demonstrates Wallace's early interest in examining how words and communication shape human consciousness and relationships.

Readers note this as Wallace's most accessible novel, though many see it as a young writer still finding his voice. The experimental style and philosophical themes draw frequent comparisons to Thomas Pynchon. Readers appreciate: - The humor and wordplay - Complex character relationships - Integration of philosophy and linguistics - The quirky side plots and minor characters Common criticisms: - Lack of satisfying resolution - Self-conscious writing style - Too many meandering subplots - Characters feel more like philosophical vessels than real people A recurring comment is that it reads like a talented MFA thesis - ambitious but unrefined. One reader called it "philosophy wrapped in a story wrapped in more philosophy." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (15,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (200+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.8/5 (1,000+ ratings) Many reviewers recommend starting with Wallace's short stories or essays before tackling this novel.

Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace A sprawling narrative set in a tennis academy and rehabilitation center connects multiple characters grappling with entertainment, addiction, and communication in near-future America.

The Crying of Lot 49 by Thomas Pynchon A California housewife uncovers what might be a centuries-old postal conspiracy while executing a will, leading her through increasingly bizarre encounters and communications.

White Noise by Don DeLillo A college professor and his family navigate modern American life amid consumerism, media saturation, and an airborne toxic event that forces them to confront mortality.

A Frolic of His Own by William Gaddis A personal injury lawsuit spirals into an examination of language, law, and meaning through interconnected legal documents and conversations.

The New York Trilogy by Paul Auster Three interconnected detective stories explore identity, language, and reality as characters pursue increasingly elusive mysteries that blur the line between fiction and truth.

★ The Broom of the System originated as Wallace's creative writing thesis at Amherst College, written when he was just 22 years old and published in 1987. ★ The title references a quote from philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein's "Philosophical Investigations" about the relationship between words and their meaning. ★ Wallace wrote about half of the novel while under the influence of marijuana, later expressing regret about this writing approach in interviews. ★ The book's fictional "Great Ohio Desert" (G.O.D.) was inspired by Wallace's actual visit to the deserts of Arizona during his brief stint in graduate school. ★ The novel ends mid-sentence, a deliberate choice that reflects the book's themes about language and meaning, leaving readers to contemplate their role in completing the narrative.