"Moo" by Jane Smiley is a satirical novel set at a Midwestern agricultural university, known as Moo U. The book delves into the inner workings of academia, portraying a large cast of colorful characters from students to faculty members, and even a giant white pig named Earl Butz. The plot unfolds over the course of an academic year in the early 1990s, focusing on the various love liaisons, academic intrigues, and personal issues that are common in university life. Smiley's writing style is described as humorous, witty, and insightful, offering a shrewd and funny commentary on the societal norms and conflicts within the university setting.

Characters:

The characters are numerous and varied, embodying different aspects of university life, though their sheer number can make them difficult to distinguish and remember.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by its focus on dialogue and distinct character voices, employing humor and vivid descriptions to navigate through serious themes with a satirical lens.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around the comedic and often chaotic life within a Midwestern agricultural university, highlighting various character interactions, academic politics, and the daily experiences of students and faculty.

Setting:

The setting is a fictional agricultural university in the Midwest, representing the cultural and social dynamics of late 1980s academic life.

Pacing:

The pacing is uneven, with slow transitions between many characters that may hamper engagement, but the short chapter format aids in keeping readers invested.

FROM THE OUTSIDE it was clear that the building known generally as “Old Meats” had eased under the hegemony of the horticulture department. Its southern approach, once a featureless slope of green law...

Notes:

Moo is set in a fictional agricultural university, likely inspired by Iowa State University.

The book's narrative follows a huge cast of characters, representing various facets of university life.

Each chapter often takes on a different character's perspective, showcasing their distinct voices and experiences.

Characters include students, professors, administrative staff, and even a hog named Earl Butz who serves as a central symbol in the story.

Moo is noted for its satire of academic politics and the issues surrounding funding and grants in higher education.

The novel is a reflection on life before the internet, capturing a slower pace of information spread.

Smiley's writing has been described as witty and observant, with a blend of humor and poignant commentary.

Readers have noted that the book's length and large number of characters can make it difficult to keep track of the plot.

It has been likened to works by other authors who write about academia, such as Tom Wolfe and Richard Russo.

Despite mixed reviews, many found the book insightful and humorous about the realities of college life.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings for Moo include themes of sexual content, academic pressure, and social issues such as racism and classism, reflecting the complexities of university life.

From The Publisher:

In this darkly satirical send-up of academia and the Midwest, we are introduced to Moo University, a distinguished institution devoted to the study of agriculture. Amid cow pastures and waving fields of grain, Moo's campus churns with devious plots, mischievous intrigue, lusty liaisons, and academic one-upmanship, Chairman X of the Horticulture Department harbors a secret fantasy to kill the dean; Mrs. Walker, the provost's right hand and campus information queen, knows where all the bodies are buried; Timothy Monahan, associate professor of English, advocates eavesdropping for his creative writing assignments; and Bob Carlson, a sophomore, feeds and maintains his only friend: a hog named Earl Butz. Wonderfully written and masterfully plotted, Moo gives us a wickedly funny slice of life.

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About the Author:

Jane Smiley is the author of numerous novels, including A Thousand Acres, which was awarded the Pulitzer Prize, and most recently, Golden Age, the concluding volume of The Last Hundred Years trilogy. She is also the author of five works of nonfiction and a series of books for young adults. A member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters, she has also received the PEN Center USA Lifetime Achievement Award for Literature. She lives in Northern California.

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Moo

Jane Smiley