Big Bang (novel)

Big Bang is a 2019 novel by American author David Bowman, released almost seven years following his passing. The book features an introduction written by Jonathan Lethem, and portions were previously published in The New Yorker. This work marks Bowman's fourth publication and stands as his sole posthumous release. He devoted more than ten years to its creation, originally naming it Tall Cool One.

The narrative is set during the 1950s and early 1960s, incorporating historical figures such as John F. Kennedy, Norman Mailer, Pat Nixon, E. Howard Hunt, Carl Djerassi, Marilyn Monroe, Willem de Kooning, Ngo Dinh Diem, a youthful Jimi Hendrix, Lee Radziwill, and Benjamin Spock. Bowman characterized Big Bang as a "nonfiction novel," merging real-life personalities with fictional elements.

Critical reception

Big Bang was widely acclaimed for its expansive ambition and distinctive style. The New York Times praised Bowman as "an abundantly talented writer," while Kirkus Reviews described the novel as "sui generis," emphasizing its innovative approach to portraying the complexities of the twentieth century. Reviewers have drawn comparisons between Big Bang and the works of Don DeLillo, particularly Libra and Underworld, with DeLillo himself appearing as a character, underscoring Bowman's deep engagement with American literary and cultural narratives.