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A review by thebechdelbitch
The Overstory by Richard Powers
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Well, I'm not sure I've ever had such a huge range of reactions to one single book before. I LOVED the beginning part, literally weeping in places as I read the beautiful tales of the fragility of human lives.
The the activism began. The white washing. The boomer comments about phones and video games and the internet. The indigenous ERASURE. How frustrating. I cannot believe this book was written so recently, its politics really feel like they are absolutely lifted from the heights of hippy power in the 60s/70s.
Most egregious moment - the gang paint themselves with indigenous New Zealand (Maori I'm guessing? the book does not specify) patterns on their faces which enables them to magically shape shift into animals in order to block a highway.
Also - the gang listen to indigenous American folklore tales on tape in the car on the way to a demonstration. There are no indigenous characters in the book; everyone in that scene is white.
Really wasn't sure what to rate this one. The beginning part is five stars, easily. Just stop reading after that.
The the activism began. The white washing. The boomer comments about phones and video games and the internet. The indigenous ERASURE. How frustrating. I cannot believe this book was written so recently, its politics really feel like they are absolutely lifted from the heights of hippy power in the 60s/70s.
Most egregious moment - the gang paint themselves with indigenous New Zealand (Maori I'm guessing? the book does not specify) patterns on their faces which enables them to magically shape shift into animals in order to block a highway.
Also - the gang listen to indigenous American folklore tales on tape in the car on the way to a demonstration. There are no indigenous characters in the book; everyone in that scene is white.
Really wasn't sure what to rate this one. The beginning part is five stars, easily. Just stop reading after that.