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dlrosebyh's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I tried so hard to hate a novel written by a successful, white man. But Goddamn when I say Ethan Hawke has a perfect play of words. What can this man not do?
As he awkwardly, and at times hilariously, attempts to manage the wreckage of his personal life with whiskey and sex, Hawke's narrator is a young man in torment who is disgusted with himself after the breakdown of his marriage and still half-hopes for a reconciliation that would allow him to forgive himself and move on. Theater, in especially the difficulty of playing the part of Hotspur in a production of Henry IV directed by a fantastic director and featuring one of the most charismatic and narcissistic Falstaffs ever, rescues him. A Bright Ray of Darkness is a book about shame, beauty, faith, and the ethical power of art. It is searing, visceral, and absolutely captivating.
The narrator narrating the play actually adds to my appreciation of this book. I adore how this revolves upon Henry IV. I'm not an actor, but I believe this book vividly depicted the difficulties of the profession to the extent that I actually felt sorry for the narrator.
Certain parts were wholly unnecessary. And I'll be the one to confess that the narrator isn't at all endearing. When he commits another horrible act, there are times when I want to slam my head against a wall. He exhibits such misogynistic behavior, especially in some situations, and I believe that's the only reason I didn't give this book a perfect five-star rating. Even though I enjoy unreliable narrators, I detest misogynistic ones. In spite of that, if you can get past it, this book is REALLY GOOD (Dead Poets Society reference because Ethan Hawke..lol).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Alcohol, and Drug use
Moderate: Addiction, Suicidal thoughts, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Eating disorder, Panic attacks/disorders, and Suicide
hmbk's review
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Blood, Drug use, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, and Sexual content
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders and Suicide
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