amandasamuelson 's review for:

Disgrace by J.M. Coetzee

3.5

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I had mixed feelings about this one. There is no denying that Coetzee’s writing is brilliant and that Disgrace boasts a compelling story and set of characters. What I found challenging was having to read through the eyes of a protagonist who I loathed and despised. I felt very little empathy for David Lurie. The way he spoke about women, about the young university student he raped, about his own daughter, was unpleasant at the very least. Even when David did experience karmic retributions (of which there were several, I’d say) I still couldn’t bring myself to care, or feel sorry for him. And maybe that was the point? Anyways, this novel stirred up some strong feelings in me and while I wasn’t “enjoying” the read I would say I was engrossed. The insights into the dynamics of post-apartheid South Africa were particularly interesting, especially in context with what happens to David’s daughter, in relation to his own disgraceful acts.