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A review by hope419
The Road by Cormac McCarthy
challenging
dark
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
I have extremely mixed feelings about this book.
First, I found it difficult to get through as much of its content is mundane in nature. I understand its purpose, as it lulls you into a false sense of security before being met with some absolutely horrific imagery and moments of terror.
To say this novel is bleak would be an understatement. It is suffocating. However, for all of its darkness, there is beauty and tenderness. The relationship between the man and the boy is complex, yet nothing short of endearing. There is something so beautiful, yet heart-wrenching about a man desperately attempting to maintain his son's childlike goodness in the face of gut-wrenching gore and devastation. It is this concept, which McCarthy executes flawlessly, that gives this book the three stars it earned.
So, while it is a novel I will probably never read again (for the sake of my own innocence and sanity), I cannot say that it isn't brilliant in its own unique way.
First, I found it difficult to get through as much of its content is mundane in nature. I understand its purpose, as it lulls you into a false sense of security before being met with some absolutely horrific imagery and moments of terror.
To say this novel is bleak would be an understatement. It is suffocating. However, for all of its darkness, there is beauty and tenderness. The relationship between the man and the boy is complex, yet nothing short of endearing. There is something so beautiful, yet heart-wrenching about a man desperately attempting to maintain his son's childlike goodness in the face of gut-wrenching gore and devastation. It is this concept, which McCarthy executes flawlessly, that gives this book the three stars it earned.
So, while it is a novel I will probably never read again (for the sake of my own innocence and sanity), I cannot say that it isn't brilliant in its own unique way.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Death, Suicide attempt, Violence, Pedophilia, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, and Child death