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Oh yes, this one hit the spot alright, after a couple of disappointing reads prior.

I've always regarded DeLillo as a bit of a hit and miss writer, who can be sloppy in one novel and quite brilliant in another. When he does hit top form though: which I believe he absolutely does here, it's such a rewarding reading experience.

Apart from knowing that Oswald shot JFK then got whacked two days later by Jack Ruby, my knowledge on the whole history leading up to, arguably, the mother of all assassinations, was practically zilch. So, taking that into account, I had no idea what was solely fiction or half-speculation, and what was based more along the lines of fact. He's obviously taken a lot of stale research material and weaved together something altogether new - largely by the means of simply inventing - filling in the blanks so to speak. DeLillo has: from I've read of him anyway, had a keen eye for conspiracy, and his fascination with this theme goes into overdrive here - no doubt about it. This also had a genuinely feeling of slow-building dread: despite the fact you know what's going to happen, all the way through it, and had me thinking: although completely different novels, of 'The Names', which happens to be one of my DeLillo faves. Well, now I have another.

In particular I was fascinated by the whole Castro angle of the novel, and also Oswald's time spent in Russia - where he was to meet his wife. From the brilliant interior monologues, to the richly constructed scenes involving a whole array of other characters, this labyrinthine underworld of a novel was simply top notch, and due to the way the plot is structured, probably DeLillo's most complex work at the time.

It's a five for me.