CRITICISM

Begley, Louis. “About Schmidt Was Changed, but Not Its Core.” New York Times (19 January 2003): L1.

Begley defends the film version of About Schmidt, noting that the movie changed certain elements of his book, but stayed true to the main themes of the novel.

Birkerts, Sven. “Alone and Aloof.” Washington Post Book World 24, no. 17 (24 April 1994): 4.

Compares Begley's writing style to that of Henry James, but contends that in As Max Saw It, Begley leaves readers exasperated and confused, with many unanswered questions.

Buttenwieser, Paul. “A Survivor's Lonely Journey.” Washington Post Book World 23, no. 2 (10 January 1993): 1, 4.

Compliments Begley's characterizations and skillful use of irony in The Man Who Was Late.

Eder, Richard. “Horrors of Survival, Clothed in Grace.” Los Angeles Times (16 May 1991): E9.

Contends that Wartime Lies presents a heart-wrenching story of a boy growing up as a Jew in World War II Poland, detailing the myriad adaptations the boy must make in order to survive.

Finn, Molly. “Critic's Choices for Christmas.” Commonweal 118, no. 21 (6 December 1991): 720.

Provides a brief synopsis of Wartime Lies.

Hofmann, Michael. “Aunts and Uncles.” London Review of Books 14, no. 22 (19 November 1992): 15-16.

Presents a positive overview of Wartime Lies, praising Begley's characterizations and writing style.

Lewis, Clayton W. “Reports of the War.” Sewanee Review 100, no. 1 (winter 1992): 147-53.

Examines the layers of denial and self-deception in Wartime Lies, noting that the protagonist's tale is ultimately claimed to be a fabrication, drawing parallels between that story and the autobiographical feel of the novel.

Mendelsohn, Jane. “Fiction in Review.” Yale Review 83, no. 1 (January 1995): 108-20.

Examines Wartime Lies, The Man Who Was Late, and As Max Saw It, highlighting and commenting on such themes as the holocaust, survivor guilt, and the coping mechanisms of various characters.

Perrick, Penny. “The Chatting Classes.” Sunday Times 8, no. 787 (17 January 1993): 6, 12.

Provides a favorable assessment of The Man Who Was Late, asserting that Begley utilizes playful descriptions in the novel.

Rubin, Merle. “Self-Awareness Reflected in a Chilly Mirror.” Los Angeles Times (29 September 2003): E9.

Contends that Begley creates a compelling protagonist in Shipwreck.

Schaeffer, Susan Fromberg. “Holocaust Memories.” Chicago Tribune Books (17 January 1993): 1, 6.

Analyzes the long-term effects of the Holocaust on the protagonist in The Man Who Was Late, comparing the efforts of the protagonist to control his present with his unconscious attempts to suppress his past.

Additional coverage of Begley's life and career is contained in the following sources published by Thomson Gale: Contemporary Authors, Vol. 140; Contemporary Authors New Revision Series, Vol. 98; Dictionary of Literary Biography, Vol. 299; and Literature Resource Center.