I won’t argue with critque of Mailer’s writing style.As for substance…he always tackled subjects that were daring and daunting.I myself, am a fan of the man.Yes,he had a colossal ego and most peolple either revered him or reviled him.I suggest a veiwing of the PBS documentary Mailer on Mailer.An American Masters presentation.If you are not entertained and, or enlightened then join the ranks of gloating, ghoulish,celebratory wimpy crowd.It’s easy to kick a monster when he’s dead. And it’s easy to hurl insults at a genuis whose rapier wit has been silenced.Norman had his feet held to the fire many times in life and now his cold feet will toasted again.I will miss a true original 20th century master.