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3.67 AVERAGE
3.67 AVERAGE
dark
medium-paced
This book is one of the few which I've read at uni which have really pushed my buttons in such a way that the novel has left me fuming. Even taking into account this novels context and how the content of this novel is meant to make you question morality amongst other more difficult topics, there is no question of how angry it has made me.
Not only is the treatment of women both physically within the story, and as 'possessions' of men is truely awful, but also in the way they are both depicted and described. As a narrator, David's pov is very closed, one sided, and frankly rather self-centred. Usually I can work around blatantly disliking a character but here there is nothing which I can even find redeemable, especially as his attitude through the novel doesn't change at all.
Despite thoroughly disliking writing style, content and characters I am still giving it two stars as it managed to generate such a reaction in me. As well as this it has been written in such a way that asks more questions than are answered, and so has kept me thinking well after I've finished reading the novel. I can be sure though I will not be reading this one again, (unless I end up writing my essay on it - which is likely.)
Not only is the treatment of women both physically within the story, and as 'possessions' of men is truely awful, but also in the way they are both depicted and described. As a narrator, David's pov is very closed, one sided, and frankly rather self-centred. Usually I can work around blatantly disliking a character but here there is nothing which I can even find redeemable, especially as his attitude through the novel doesn't change at all.
Despite thoroughly disliking writing style, content and characters I am still giving it two stars as it managed to generate such a reaction in me. As well as this it has been written in such a way that asks more questions than are answered, and so has kept me thinking well after I've finished reading the novel. I can be sure though I will not be reading this one again, (unless I end up writing my essay on it - which is likely.)
what an incredibly unlikable narrator! & you never get a break from his perspective. it was both hard to read and compelling. this book is so well constructed, i'm glad i read it with others who make me look deeper.
challenging
dark
reflective
medium-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
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Rape
Es una novela dura. Creo que trata temas sobre violencia de género, racismo, supremacía blanca. Coetzee nos narra la vida de David Lurie, un hombre de 52 años. Es un libro que me ha hecho sentir mal. En ciertos momentos he sentido desprecio y odio por el protagonista pero también una "cierta empatía".
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Not a particularly likable chief protagonist, but very human. And probably very likable if you were to be one of his colleagues/friends. A challenging story, both in the first portion in Cape Town and then on "the farm" with his daughter and the ever-present danger from the lawlessness of the times.