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4.05 AVERAGE
4.05 AVERAGE
I think this book most encapsulates McCarthyism’s at their most digestible. Chigurh is a fascinating character, only topped for me by Judge Holden, and Sheriff Bell is equally as fascinating on the opposite side of the coin. No pun intended.
No country for old men, while not my favorite work of McCarthys, to me is the culmination of most of his ideas. The idea of universal violence from blood meridian, of those who dance, is absolutely present in Chigurh (and honestly Llewelyn in some capacity). Bell does not dance, and therefore is behind and not capable of keeping up with the unexpected and ferocious nature of life. The idea of carrying the torch is present in that last and poignant symbol in the book. The father carrying the torch into a better tomorrow is a beautiful symbol that is made only more beautiful by the waking up that happens immediately after.
No country for old men, while not my favorite work of McCarthys, to me is the culmination of most of his ideas. The idea of universal violence from blood meridian, of those who dance, is absolutely present in Chigurh (and honestly Llewelyn in some capacity). Bell does not dance, and therefore is behind and not capable of keeping up with the unexpected and ferocious nature of life. The idea of carrying the torch is present in that last and poignant symbol in the book. The father carrying the torch into a better tomorrow is a beautiful symbol that is made only more beautiful by the waking up that happens immediately after.
medium-paced
adventurous
dark
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
dark
reflective
sad
tense
slow-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
Mixed feelings on this classic. Parts were hard to follow and disjointed. None of the characters were particularly likable, each sad in their own unique ways, which is what storytelling is all about. Certain things happen, and for me, had no advance warning, prompting me to reread. Didn’t hate, didn’t love, but happy I read.
dark
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was a wonderful story that goes in a narratively interesting direction! There are two storylines, which eventually neatly intersects into one. Regardless of which plot you are reading, the character is still interesting to follow and it is valuable to have for understanding the overall story. Unlike some people, I enjoyed the ending. No Country for Old Men is about the random nature of violence and increased violence in America, so for the antagonist representing these ideas ultimately never being caught and the main character repeatedly wondering about a solution for the world becoming increasingly violent to not find a culprit to the crime spree is a realistic conclusion. How does one solve the complex issue of increased violence on a societal scale? The answer is that it’s so complicated that one person can’t find a single solution .
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Medical content, Stalking, Murder
Moderate: Pedophilia, Toxic relationship, War
Minor: Animal death, Drug abuse, Car accident
This story involves the Mexican cartel. While there are multiple Mexican citizens depicted normally, it can be argued that Mexican gang members/drug dealers are a tired (and stereotypical) subject.
Excellent story with a great movie to go along with it. Both are great, but the book provides more details as to the characters, especially to Sheriff Bell regarding his past. McCarthy has fast become one of my favorites.
Brilliant, propulsive little book - but suffers from its own success to an extent, and leaves us no time to breathe with any of these excellent characters. At times it becomes a little too obviously converted from a screenplay, and I miss those moments of down time which McCarthy is so good at - even Child of God had breathing room in half the word count.