Дальний остров

His selections seem deeply personal yet broadly philosophical. I'm curious what influences shaped his focus here and if he intended them to connect as a larger commentary.

The tone often dips into reflection on loss and longing. I wonder if Franzen's personal experiences influenced this mood or if it's a deliberate theme.

The essays flow seamlessly but also seem to stand alone strongly. I'm curious whether Franzen mapped out the order from the start or let the themes guide the sequence.