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A review by tiredurbanist
Pygmy by Chuck Palahniuk
challenging
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I have SO many thoughts about this book, so let me congratulate it on that at the very least.
Regarding the writing style: I applaud any author who challenges their reader and the conventions of how narrative writing should be. I got into the flow of it after a few chapters and found it actually enjoyable throughout. HOWEVER, I don’t think it should have been done in this book. If the character is a super genius who has been studying American language and culture, the writing makes no sense. It’s just racist.
Regarding the graphic nature: Again, I think making his western audiences uncomfortable makes sense in the context of the story. The rape and violence and sex is not included “for no reason.” It’s there to say something important. HOWEVER, I think the ending of this book completely drops the ball on this and negates a lot of what i just said.
Regarding the plot: this book has one of the most astoundingly bad endings I have ever read. It comes to such a screeching halt that wholly undermines the entire premise of the story and is, frankly, stupid. It capitulates to all the narrative threads and themes that it purports to be critiquing and was generally poorly executed.
All in all this book was an incredibly engaging and thought provoking read. It made me want to talk about it with my friends and about the political issues it examines. I was extremely skeptical at the beginning, feeling like it was a very one dimensional commentary that reeked of white man authorship. But I changed my tune throughout, as the themes and characters fleshed out. I began to see glimmers of a 1984 like story that was provocative and effective. But sadly, all that went out the window at the end. As a whole work, it’s hard for me to not see it as a self indulgent, shock value, failed political and social satire. Im sad.
Regarding the writing style: I applaud any author who challenges their reader and the conventions of how narrative writing should be. I got into the flow of it after a few chapters and found it actually enjoyable throughout. HOWEVER, I don’t think it should have been done in this book. If the character is a super genius who has been studying American language and culture, the writing makes no sense. It’s just racist.
Regarding the graphic nature: Again, I think making his western audiences uncomfortable makes sense in the context of the story. The rape and violence and sex is not included “for no reason.” It’s there to say something important. HOWEVER, I think the ending of this book completely drops the ball on this and negates a lot of what i just said.
Regarding the plot: this book has one of the most astoundingly bad endings I have ever read. It comes to such a screeching halt that wholly undermines the entire premise of the story and is, frankly, stupid. It capitulates to all the narrative threads and themes that it purports to be critiquing and was generally poorly executed.
All in all this book was an incredibly engaging and thought provoking read. It made me want to talk about it with my friends and about the political issues it examines. I was extremely skeptical at the beginning, feeling like it was a very one dimensional commentary that reeked of white man authorship. But I changed my tune throughout, as the themes and characters fleshed out. I began to see glimmers of a 1984 like story that was provocative and effective. But sadly, all that went out the window at the end. As a whole work, it’s hard for me to not see it as a self indulgent, shock value, failed political and social satire. Im sad.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape