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3.41 AVERAGE
3.41 AVERAGE
I've been a fan of Cussler since my teen years, but this singular novel really tested my nerve. I can forgive a little machismo - it's to be expected in this genre and series, but when Cussler has Dirk Pitt playing a stereotype of a gay man - even so far as to use the word faggot a number of times, I wanted to set the book on fire. It was in such poor taste to read these hate-filled slurs. It highlights all the issues of discrimination that the LGBTQIA+ community face.
Cussler used about every negative trope around this issue in ‘Iceberg’ with the protagonist Dirk Pit undercover as a homosexual artist, staring hungrily at men’s crotches like a sexual predator, acting submissive and weak, wearing over-the-top colourful clothing, and flowery speech. This goes on for half the novel. It is obvious that Cussler adopted this writing style for it to come off as comedic, but it just shows his insensitivity and ignorance.
To compound the issue there are continual cracks about crazy women and menopause, or someone on their period - that was also meant to be jocular. The female characters were irrational tittering things meant to look pretty and fetch coffee. Their only goal to land a good husband. They were diminished to a sexual object, nursemaid, or servant. It came off as highly offensive.
I just don’t understand. Was Clive Cussler on some sort of acid trip writing ‘Iceberg?’ I’ve read over 15 of his novels and never come across such blatant misogyny. Maybe I should stop making allowances for Cussler’s overused tropes and start calling him on them in my reviews... I read his novels for the emphasised adventure, the marine environment, and the espionage. ‘Iceberg’ was overshadowed with such a distasteful display of tropes and writing I am literally gobsmacked. Way to offend half your audience dude.
Looking at other aspects of ‘Iceberg,’ like pacing and plot, it wasn’t so bad, but by no means anywhere near his best. There was a plot twist at the end that I didn’t see coming, but that too left a horrid taste in my mouth. I enjoyed the surprise, but hated the premise it supported.
In all honesty I do not recommend this book to anyone. If fact Cussler should pull it from his catalogue entirely. I know I would be ashamed to have written a novel like this.
Cussler used about every negative trope around this issue in ‘Iceberg’ with the protagonist Dirk Pit undercover as a homosexual artist, staring hungrily at men’s crotches like a sexual predator, acting submissive and weak, wearing over-the-top colourful clothing, and flowery speech. This goes on for half the novel. It is obvious that Cussler adopted this writing style for it to come off as comedic, but it just shows his insensitivity and ignorance.
To compound the issue there are continual cracks about crazy women and menopause, or someone on their period - that was also meant to be jocular. The female characters were irrational tittering things meant to look pretty and fetch coffee. Their only goal to land a good husband. They were diminished to a sexual object, nursemaid, or servant. It came off as highly offensive.
I just don’t understand. Was Clive Cussler on some sort of acid trip writing ‘Iceberg?’ I’ve read over 15 of his novels and never come across such blatant misogyny. Maybe I should stop making allowances for Cussler’s overused tropes and start calling him on them in my reviews... I read his novels for the emphasised adventure, the marine environment, and the espionage. ‘Iceberg’ was overshadowed with such a distasteful display of tropes and writing I am literally gobsmacked. Way to offend half your audience dude.
Looking at other aspects of ‘Iceberg,’ like pacing and plot, it wasn’t so bad, but by no means anywhere near his best. There was a plot twist at the end that I didn’t see coming, but that too left a horrid taste in my mouth. I enjoyed the surprise, but hated the premise it supported.
In all honesty I do not recommend this book to anyone. If fact Cussler should pull it from his catalogue entirely. I know I would be ashamed to have written a novel like this.
Apart from the sexism, misogyny, homophobia, and action parts that play no part in the actual story it's pretty engrossing. Strange that the trans angle seemed to be treated with a hint of respect. I saved about half an hour skipping through the offensive and unnecessary parts
What in the misogynistic, homophobic, transphobic hell did I just finish reading?
Ok, I'm taking away 1 star for that, which means that, technically, this is a zero star review. Yes, I know, it was written in the 1970s. Yes, in the past almost 50 years, the world has changed, but it has not changed enough, yet.
So, despite all of that, this is still, at best a bad book. Not even good bad. I think, if we have learned anything, it is that (spoiler) corporations won't do anything unless there is immediate profit in whatever they are doing.
The story was weak. The reveal in the epilogue was done completely with no foreshadowing and was 100% completely and utterly pointless except for some kind of 70s shock value.
If you are reading Dirk Pitt novels, skip this one. Now, much like after finishing the Mediterranean Caper, I think I need 33 months to cleanse my palate of 1970s Dirk Pitt.
Ok, I'm taking away 1 star for that, which means that, technically, this is a zero star review. Yes, I know, it was written in the 1970s. Yes, in the past almost 50 years, the world has changed, but it has not changed enough, yet.
So, despite all of that, this is still, at best a bad book. Not even good bad. I think, if we have learned anything, it is that (spoiler) corporations won't do anything unless there is immediate profit in whatever they are doing.
The story was weak. The reveal in the epilogue was done completely with no foreshadowing and was 100% completely and utterly pointless except for some kind of 70s shock value.
If you are reading Dirk Pitt novels, skip this one. Now, much like after finishing the Mediterranean Caper, I think I need 33 months to cleanse my palate of 1970s Dirk Pitt.
Iceberg by Clive Cussler
I'm a massive fan of Clive Cussler and all his works, especially Dirk Pitt, Kurt Austin and the new Isaac Bell stories. As expected, Iceberg is a great addition to the collection. It's classic Cussler, spans over years and is full of action and adventure.
I'm a massive fan of Clive Cussler and all his works, especially Dirk Pitt, Kurt Austin and the new Isaac Bell stories. As expected, Iceberg is a great addition to the collection. It's classic Cussler, spans over years and is full of action and adventure.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
I’ve read several Clive cussler books, and love the character dirk Pitt and this is an another amazing adventure of his but completely changed the dynamic of how it happened. This one had twist and turns that I did not see coming at all even to the very end an amazing book that just grabbed you and pulled you in.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
some outdated material/poorly handled so have to knock it down some stars, BUT Disneyland and Pitt running through the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at the end?!
adventurous
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:
No
Boring, sexist, misogynistic, homophobic, and transphobic book. Definitely a product of its time.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Misogyny, Sexism
Minor: Transphobia
adventurous
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No