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Cockroach by Rawi Hage: 4/5
such powerful and evocative writing. it was written in almost like daily segments that pieced together to follow our main character as he experiences, and tries to survive, life. quite often the main character’s thoughts and actions are hard to stomach but nothing about the story is supposed to go down easy. the symbolism of cockroach really integrates a variety of different meanings within the story from poverty to immigrant. a little bit of magical realism sneaks its way into the story adding more interest. it’s vindictive, dark and angry, if you’re looking for that type of read then check it out.
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
It was an uncomfortable, candid read with a highly ambiguous main character. The book was difficult to get into at first because of the stark portrayal of the protagonist/(or maybe antagonist)'s unapologetically ugly and morally grey thoughts and past. The unnamed narrator's dishonest actions, unabashed lust, cryptic thoughts, traumatic past and overall unhappiness left me unsure of how to feel; with hints of compassion for his pain whilst still finding him vaguely despicable. The reason I did not give this book a higher rating was because this book was deeply uncomfortable to read. The narrator was so well-written that he radiated misery and I finished the book with an unresolved sense of confusion despite the otherwise thrilling twist that ended the novel.
Overall, it was a dark blunt depiction of a perhaps unlovable main character and his struggles to fit in and survive in his impoverished predicament- often taking on a confusingly dreamlike quality as his identity shifts from human to cockroach to get by. I feel that there is much more to unpack in this novel (it is rich in allusions and would probably make a great book club read), and am tempted to reread it when I am older. I have a feeling I will understand and notice things I could not now, and enjoy on a deeper level then.
Overall, it was a dark blunt depiction of a perhaps unlovable main character and his struggles to fit in and survive in his impoverished predicament- often taking on a confusingly dreamlike quality as his identity shifts from human to cockroach to get by. I feel that there is much more to unpack in this novel (it is rich in allusions and would probably make a great book club read), and am tempted to reread it when I am older. I have a feeling I will understand and notice things I could not now, and enjoy on a deeper level then.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt
challenging
dark
funny
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Тази книга ми въздейства на някакво инстинктивно, животинско ниво.Неясната граница между човешкото и животинското, животът в полу-сенките се оказаха неустоими.
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is possibly the strangest book I’ve ever read…but not necessarily in a bad way.
dark
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Genuinely beautiful prose.
While I really enjoyed the writing style of this book, I found the subject matter to be... uncomfortable. This book is probably best described as "disturbing" and "creepy" - and not in a way that is intriguing, but in a way that makes you close the curtains, double check the locks on the doors, and question if you can get a restraining order against a book.