Strong Motion

novel by Franzen

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July 17, 2026

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Strong Motion is a 1992 novel by Jonathan Franzen. The novel is set in Boston and draws on Franzen's experience in seismology. It tells the story of a Harvard seismologist who uncovers a connection between unusual earthquakes and the improper disposal of chemical waste.1

Franzen's novel The Corrections, published in 2001, is a work of social criticism that explores the dysfunctional Lambert family. It delves into various issues such as globalization, the pharmaceutical industry, and the state of Eastern Europe, while also capturing the anxieties prevalent after the September 11th attacks.2

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Jonathan Franzen
Franzen’s second novel, Strong Motion (1992), draws on the author’s experience working in the field of seismology. Set in Boston, it tells of a Harvard seismologist who discovers a link between unexplained earthquakes and the disposal of chemical waste.
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Franzen’s second novel, Strong Motion (1992), draws on the author’s experience working in the field of seismology. Set in Boston, it tells of a Harvard seismologist who discovers a link between unexplained earthquakes and the disposal of chemical waste.
Read More