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A review by wildelwrcase
Autobiography of Red by Anne Carson
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I definitely didn't 'get this' like some people do. I will say that I definitely have not had enough time to truly go over it (I have to return it to the library) and really dig deep into the themes. But I think it is important for anyone going into this book casually, there is obviously a chance it just connects, but for me it didn't.
I think the actual prose was gorgeous and lyrical. I'm not used to reading much poetry, and maybe this is just not a beginners poetry book, but regardless I found the structure fascinating and extremely readable even for a newer reader. It's so very different to pretty much anything I've ever read before, like it's both trying to break the idea of novels and poems at the same time.
I really enjoyed out protagonist Geryon, and following him throughout life was really interesting. I especially love how during his childhood the description and metaphors are slightly more whimsical and large scale, a child scared of this new world, a world that hurts him again and again. But as he ages it becomes more reeled in, and less naïve. I also surprisingly really liked Ancash who provided a fresh perspective on Herakles, which was definitely needed.
I do almost wish that it stuck closer to the myth it was based on, Herakles causing Geryon's demise, though I'm aware that would land us with a very different story, but still interesting to think about.
I was also captured far more than I expected to be by the Intro and ending, both of which center around a largely forgotten Greek poet Stesichoros. It was super interesting historically and thematically, and I'm extremely glad Carson included it.
I will almost certainly return to this book when I am both older, am more educated on poetry, and have more time to really think through it. Regardless a very interesting read, especially if you are into books whose prose push boundaries, poetry, or slightly mind bending coming of age books.
I think the actual prose was gorgeous and lyrical. I'm not used to reading much poetry, and maybe this is just not a beginners poetry book, but regardless I found the structure fascinating and extremely readable even for a newer reader. It's so very different to pretty much anything I've ever read before, like it's both trying to break the idea of novels and poems at the same time.
I really enjoyed out protagonist Geryon, and following him throughout life was really interesting. I especially love how during his childhood the description and metaphors are slightly more whimsical and large scale, a child scared of this new world, a world that hurts him again and again. But as he ages it becomes more reeled in, and less naïve. I also surprisingly really liked Ancash who provided a fresh perspective on Herakles, which was definitely needed.
I do almost wish that it stuck closer to the myth it was based on, Herakles causing Geryon's demise, though I'm aware that would land us with a very different story, but still interesting to think about.
I was also captured far more than I expected to be by the Intro and ending, both of which center around a largely forgotten Greek poet Stesichoros. It was super interesting historically and thematically, and I'm extremely glad Carson included it.
I will almost certainly return to this book when I am both older, am more educated on poetry, and have more time to really think through it. Regardless a very interesting read, especially if you are into books whose prose push boundaries, poetry, or slightly mind bending coming of age books.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Incest, Rape, and Sexual assault