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4.23 AVERAGE
4.23 AVERAGE
A typical Vonnegut. The plot meanders on and on to the inevitable final and similar to [b:Cat's Cradle|135479|Cat's Cradle|Kurt Vonnegut Jr.|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1327867150l/135479._SY75_.jpg|1621115] I had to think about it for a while to realize how good it is. A tells a lot about humans and the way they tick, how they try to find someone else to blame instead of facing the truth. It's so much easier to ignore the obvious and to pretend it's not there, to accept something different as true. You are a mass murderer? "I was only following orders." A spy helping to imprison people? "I don't really care, I am an artist and this is what counts."
The book is full of such contraditions in people's lifes and it tries to understand why this is the case, the big difference between your self picture and the way other people see you. In addition there is one exception: Howard Campbell, the protagonist, is fully aware of all the evil he did and can deal with it. Surprisingly this doesn't mean that his fate is much different from that of other people.
A very strong book with a deep message. It requires some cooperation from the reader but this is a small price to pay. Highly recommended!
P.S. The title Mother Night is a reference to Goethe's Faust. Mephistopheles (the personification of Evil) explains that he is part of the darkness that existed first. The light was born and fights with Mother Night for the highest rank and for room they both occupy. But the light won't win because it's tied to the body and when the body dies it will go away as well.
The book is full of such contraditions in people's lifes and it tries to understand why this is the case, the big difference between your self picture and the way other people see you. In addition there is one exception: Howard Campbell, the protagonist, is fully aware of all the evil he did and can deal with it. Surprisingly this doesn't mean that his fate is much different from that of other people.
A very strong book with a deep message. It requires some cooperation from the reader but this is a small price to pay. Highly recommended!
P.S. The title Mother Night is a reference to Goethe's Faust. Mephistopheles (the personification of Evil) explains that he is part of the darkness that existed first. The light was born and fights with Mother Night for the highest rank and for room they both occupy. But the light won't win because it's tied to the body and when the body dies it will go away as well.
dark
funny
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
funny
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
dark
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I read this book in a day. That speaks in and off itself for a story that grabs you and does not let go.
I think it's a shame Howard is not a real person, as I wanted to know more about him. I think it was written smartly, sharply and comically at times.
I enjoyed this piece of WWII centered media.
I think it's a shame Howard is not a real person, as I wanted to know more about him. I think it was written smartly, sharply and comically at times.
I enjoyed this piece of WWII centered media.
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I can honestly say when reading this book it felt like all time around me stopped and all that was left was the world in this book.