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mngordon 's review for:
Absolution
by Jeff VanderMeer
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Like most Vandermeer books, giving a rating or review of Absolution is extremely difficult.
It's not just that the story and characters are complex and confusing (though they certainly are), but that there's so much to take away from the story. I simultaneously feel like I'm projecting myself into the book, reading things that aren't that and interpreting themes never intended AND that I've completely missed the point and there's a whole layer to it I've failed to see.
It's a challenging read. I think initially I was a bit disappointed that it didn't hook me the way all of the other Southern Reach books did. It's certainly intriguing and well written, but trying to fit the story presented here with my, admittedly only half remembered, understanding of the larger story was difficult and I think hindered by enjoyment a bit. It's better to take this book on face value (or to reread the series before hand).
Still, the characters were engaging, the story always just out of reach of our understanding, and the moments that hit, hit hard.
It's not just that the story and characters are complex and confusing (though they certainly are), but that there's so much to take away from the story. I simultaneously feel like I'm projecting myself into the book, reading things that aren't that and interpreting themes never intended AND that I've completely missed the point and there's a whole layer to it I've failed to see.
It's a challenging read. I think initially I was a bit disappointed that it didn't hook me the way all of the other Southern Reach books did. It's certainly intriguing and well written, but trying to fit the story presented here with my, admittedly only half remembered, understanding of the larger story was difficult and I think hindered by enjoyment a bit. It's better to take this book on face value (or to reread the series before hand).
Still, the characters were engaging, the story always just out of reach of our understanding, and the moments that hit, hit hard.