The New York Times and Other Critics Savage Olivia Nuzzi's New Book: 'Aggressively Awful'

Early reactions to Olivia Nuzzis memoir American Canto have been overwhelmingly negative, with reviewers dismissing it as overwrought, unfocused, and lacking substance. Rather than earning comparisons to celebrated literary voices, the book has been criticized for exaggerated style, meandering structure, and limited insight into her much-discussed digital relationship with Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The release arrives amid a surge of attention surrounding Nuzzis personal life. Recent revelations from her former fianc, journalist Ryan Lizza, have resurfaced online, including claims about her alleged connections with figures such as Mark Sanford and Keith Olbermann, as well as details about her involvement with RFK Jr. These stories, reviewers note, are far more compelling than the content of her memoir.

The New York Times

Alexandra Jacobs of the New York Times labeled the book a regrettably self-serious effort that lands with a soft, disappointing thud. She described the memoir as so diffuse that it makes readers long for the relief of a detailed policy paper. Jacobs also criticized the use of veiled nicknames for individuals throughout the narrative, requiring readers to decode who is being referenced. She summarized the work as a 303-page bafflement.

The Washington Post

Becca Rothfeld of the Washington Post wrote that the memoir is highly uneven and largely forgettable, adding that vast swaths of it are impressively and aggressively awful. She argued that Nuzzis attempts at literary flair result in contorted, awkward prose. Rothfeld noted that RFK Jr. appears only sparingly, making their relationship seem confusing to readers unfamiliar with the story. She also criticized the books strained metaphors and frequent pseudo-literary flourishes. According to her, the work reads like an anxious imitation of Joan Didion rather than an original voice.

The Atlantic

Helen Lewis of The Atlantic said the memoir tries to elevate a scandalous relationship into something grand and symbolic, but ultimately fails. She argued that no amount of stylized writing can fix what she considers the books core issue: a lack of honesty.

The New Yorker

Molly Fischer of The New Yorker warned that readers expecting a detailed account of Nuzzis relationship with RFK Jr. will be disappointed, as the memoir does not tell all and offers little clarity. She found the book difficult to follow due to its disregard for chronology and cohesion. Fischer criticized Nuzzis observations as ranging from obvious to absurd and highlighted her use of Los Angeles wildfires as overly dramatic symbolism for personal downfall. She concluded that the memoir attempts to imitate Joan Didions aura while substituting cool precision with excessive drama.

Author: Zoe Harrison