Ratner's Star

[LBernier at tribune.com]

     Someone posted a query last week about Ratner's Star?  I've actually 
     been WORKING lately, so I'm weighing in rather late.  It is one of my 
     favorite DeLillo's, though.
     
     To me, the book was a great send-up of "scientific discipline" and its 
     obtuseness.  All the characters are basically idiot savants - they 
     have this one skill that they're really good at, and they apply that 
     skill to whatever situation they find themselves in, regardless of how 
     appropriate or useful that skill may be in the case.  Everyone lives 
     in their little silo, and pretty much shuts out the world around them, 
     much less interacts in any real way with it.  They search for meaning, 
     but what they think is meaning - isn't.
     
     
     Jean.