Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.18 AVERAGE
4.18 AVERAGE
It almost seems insulting to call this a work of art, because that is so cliche and nothing about this book is cliche. But it IS a work of art. McCarthy is a genius, and it's a shame that he is not more highly regarded than he is. Not an easy book to read. I am a fast reader, but this one took me almost a month. Very dense at times, but take your time and appreciate the pictures McCarthy paints with his words. Just incredible. Suttree is a unique character and extremely likeable, in my opinion. I will most definitely read it again at some time.
This book is not for the faint of heart, it is downright disgusting at times. But somehow McCarthy gets away with disgusting scenes by using gorgeous poetic language that drives you to keep reading.
All hail McCarthy!
Oh, and there is a character named "Trippin Through The Dew." 'Nuff said.
This book is not for the faint of heart, it is downright disgusting at times. But somehow McCarthy gets away with disgusting scenes by using gorgeous poetic language that drives you to keep reading.
All hail McCarthy!
Oh, and there is a character named "Trippin Through The Dew." 'Nuff said.
Beautiful writing, somewhat self indulgent, a moody story of Knoxville in the early 50s. Follows Suttree, a flawed man going nowhere, on his journey there. Great characters, lines. View of a life thrown away to make you question what life is and should be all about.
Come for the existential angst, stay for the gorgeous language. I'm not sure I fully understood what McCarthy was trying to get at with this book (I've read he spent 20 years writing it, off and on), but I have drawn my own conclusions and have taken what I consider my due from it, according to the effort I put in while reading it. I feel there is much more to be gleaned than I managed, and I cheer on any who delve more deeply.
If you're curious what my interpretation of the text is, here: Like I said, there's bound to be a heck of a lot more to unpack here. I didn't read it with my critical eye switched on.
If you're curious what my interpretation of the text is, here:
Spoiler
Suttree begins the book in rejection of a normal life in society. But in the end, he fails to find meaning while slumming it either. So he takes the money left to him and commits suicide by high life.
I think I need to read this again, though I don't know when I'd have time for that. I thought I'd like it a bit more than I did.
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
slow-paced
Three standout quotes from an excellent book:
“Mr. Suttree it is our understanding that at curfew rightly decreed by law and in that hour wherein night draws to its proper close and the new day commences and contrary to conduct befitting a person of your station you betook yourself to various low places within the shire of McAnally and there did squander several ensuing years in the company of thieves, derelicts, miscreants, pariahs, poltroons, spalpeens, curmudgeons, clotpolls, murderers, gamblers, bawds, whores, trulls, brigands, topers, tosspots, sots and archsots, lobcocks, smellsmocks, runagates, rakes, and other assorted and felonious debauchees.
“Mr. Suttree it is our understanding that at curfew rightly decreed by law and in that hour wherein night draws to its proper close and the new day commences and contrary to conduct befitting a person of your station you betook yourself to various low places within the shire of McAnally and there did squander several ensuing years in the company of thieves, derelicts, miscreants, pariahs, poltroons, spalpeens, curmudgeons, clotpolls, murderers, gamblers, bawds, whores, trulls, brigands, topers, tosspots, sots and archsots, lobcocks, smellsmocks, runagates, rakes, and other assorted and felonious debauchees.
I was drunk, cried Suttree.”
“there are no absolutes in human misery and things can always get worse”
“Somebody has been fuckin my watermelons”
“there are no absolutes in human misery and things can always get worse”
“Somebody has been fuckin my watermelons”
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
sad
slow-paced
Y'aint got a drink laid back anywheres, have ye?
I may have a beer about half warm. You want that?
Be better'n a poke in the eye with a stick.
I may have a beer about half warm. You want that?
Be better'n a poke in the eye with a stick.
challenging
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes