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3.98 AVERAGE
3.98 AVERAGE
My favorite novel. Covers deeply issues of self, time, purpose, love, and loss. Prepare to read multiple times.
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
My new favorite book.
The narrative is a bit long and drawn-out at times. It all breaks down to basically about 1/3 drama, 1/3 action, and 1/3 philosophical thinking. The philosophical thinking of Jack Burden, while often very intriguing, sometimes makes the story drag on. However, the novel is riveting throughout much of it, especially if you understand the historical figure that Willie Stark clearly represents and the intricate details of that figure's life and impact on the country and his own state. I am ready to watch the movie based upon this book and see how well it played out on the screen considering all the thinking and flashbacks involved in the novel.
Described as a 'bittersweet meditation on human weakness' so appropriately Warren explores men in politics, the weakest incarnation of human. However it leaves me yearning for the corrupt politics of the 1930s, i mean the Governor Stark was trying to build a hospital and that was the reason why he bribed, blackmailed and threatened people as opposed to today where politicians just want to be paid. Excellent read though; visceral and haunting.
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-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
Didn’t care about characters, writing style not for me
Περιττές οι λέξεις με εξαίρεση τη μία που συνοψίζει πλήρως το βιβλίο: αριστούργημα.
One of the most beautifully written books I've read. Originally, I anticipated "the definitive novel about American politics," but ATKM is SO much more than that. At it's core, this is a bildungsroman about the aptly named Jack Burden, dissolute student, unsatisfied lover, and the man who ends up doing the "dirty work" for the Boss, Willie Talos, Governor. Read this book and expect novels within novels, layers of heartbreak, and the kind of literary genius that should be no surprise from the first US Poet Laureate, but still is. When we read so many books that are just fine or good, coming across something of this calibre sets even the most experienced reader back on his/her heels and reminds one why we read in the first place. I seldom lose myself in a book. Some books suck me in and take me on a wild ride and I don't want to let go until the horse is spent. Those are fun. Some books plod along and I look up often to enjoy the scenery. To stick with the horse metaphor, this book is the equivalent of a Lipazaner stallion. You don't so much ride it as become fascinated by the art of the dance. I suspect an argument could be made that Robert Penn Warren took part of the credit for inventing prose poetry with this novel. I highlighted many portions and read them to my husband and sons. Here is beauty in language. Here are the type of wise aphorisms that stun you with their accuracy. Here is a book you must read. I'd be willing to bet you a $20 that you'll love it and wish you could give it more than 5 stars too.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Warren wrote in 1981 that he guessed Huey Long (on whom Willie Stark is based) was "a remarkable set of contradictions", which sums this book up very nicely. This book is gorgeously written. It reads like sitting on a porch swing on a cool summer night listening to someone recount his life in great detail, great poetically beautiful detail. It lulled me into a stupor a few times and I had to back up repeatedly. Highly idealistic and willing to bend ethics to suit those ideals, Willie was a fascinating character. I personally didn't find him all that likable, the charisma that wooed so many characters didn't come across for me on the page. I wonder if some of our ideas surrounding politicians have been generated by this novel... it's a chicken or the egg scenario.
My feelings about this novel are just as contradictory as the man it is based on. The writing pulled me in, the politics did not. But it certainly gives the reader a lot to chew on. I'm glad to have read this novel and glad to be putting it down.
My feelings about this novel are just as contradictory as the man it is based on. The writing pulled me in, the politics did not. But it certainly gives the reader a lot to chew on. I'm glad to have read this novel and glad to be putting it down.