Scan barcode
A review by rhiannoncs
The Monkey Wrench Gang by Edward Abbey
3.0
I love Edward Abbey, and I love the spirit of this book, but it is unfortunately way too bloated. An entertaining beginning and an exciting ending sandwich a dull, interminable middle. The love triangle is uncompelling and the action is repetitive. The story would have been better served if about half of the book had been cut.
Also, while he tries to mitigate the sexism by making Bonnie an interesting character (which she often is) and laughing off the persistently chauvinist dialogue, it really doesn't play. There is an underlying sexism to the thing that is distasteful.
That said, there are some truly hilarious passages (especially in the beginning), and the current of rage that runs throughout the book is as relevant today as ever. A book I wanted to love wholeheartedly.
Also, while he tries to mitigate the sexism by making Bonnie an interesting character (which she often is) and laughing off the persistently chauvinist dialogue, it really doesn't play. There is an underlying sexism to the thing that is distasteful.
That said, there are some truly hilarious passages (especially in the beginning), and the current of rage that runs throughout the book is as relevant today as ever. A book I wanted to love wholeheartedly.