I am not a fan of Corman McCarthy. I think he's a good writer but I found ALL THE PRETTY HORSES really tedious. So, I wasn't sure I wanted to attempt THE ROAD. However, I am always intrigued by apocalyptic literature. I really like this book. It is a really fast read but so affecting.
McCarthy story follows the travels of a father and son in an apocalyptic future. McCarthy does not specify when this happens. It could be 100 years in the future. It could be ten years. He doesn't even explain how this dreary future came to be. And that is part of what makes it so chilling.
As the father and son journey south and struggle for their existence, they encounter all kinds of obstacles and horrors. Although the descriptions are not explicit, they are very arresting and disturbing. The story really shook me and made me think about what I would do in the same circumstances. Would I have the will to carry on? Would I make the near impossible choice to kill myself and my child in order to free us from the nightmare? Would I be able to ignore the plight of others in order to save myself and my child? So many questions ran through my head. I think that is what good books do. They challenge you and make you think. I may have changed my mind about McCarthy.
3 comments:
I loved All the Pretty Horses, but hadn't read anything else by McCarthy. Although I was hesitant to pick up The Road, I am really glad that I did. Normally, I don't want to read apocalyptic fiction. His prose and the issues he raised were fantastic.
I'm really looking forward to reading this book--most likely that won't be until next year. I am glad you liked it! I haven't yet read any books by the author, although I think I may have one of his other books on my shelf. I can't recall which one right this moment.
Oh, good, I'm glad you enjoyed it. I've had The Road on my wish list for quite some time, but there were about 200 people ahead of me, last time I checked! It might be a while before I read the book. :)
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