Reviews - Ikke et land for gamle menn

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4.3k reviews for:

Ikke et land for gamle menn

Cormac McCarthy

4.05 AVERAGE

bettercallsalt's review against another edition

4.25

challenging dark mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

This was my first McCarthy read. His prose style is very unique and may throw off some readers at the start (lack of punctuation, etc.) It took me a minute to adjust, but once I did, I was hooked. The plot is solid, I cruised through this story in about 5-6 days or so. Strong world-building, believable characters. McCarthy had an incredible capability of building tension in a scene.

I was slightly underwhelmed by the ending, but I also understand the deeper symbolism of what occurs (or doesn’t occur, rather) and can appreciate that beyond wanting a more traditional standoff.

I also appreciated McCarthy’s interrogation of traditional concepts of good vs evil, fate, etc. For example, Bell’s inability to accept and engage in the increasingly complex and dangerous nature of our world. The “classic” themes were certainly present and I enjoyed that McCarthy didn’t fall into a more typical representation of those themes.

Overall, a solid read. A great introduction to McCarthy and perhaps a more accessible selection from his work.