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A review by theglossreview
Erstaunen by Richard Powers
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
“Bewilderment” follows a bereaved father and son. I was waiting for a plot to begin, but it was a “slice of life” kind of book. There were hints at a plot, but they were mysteriously and eerily fleeting.
I am surprised that “Bewilderment” is categorized under the moods “sad” and “emotional”. The writing is neither sad nor emotional. Rather, the book is informative, scientific and inspiring with a view to animal rights activism and astrobiology. It reflects the current sociopolitical climate. The atmosphere is overwhelmingly anxious and tense. The most interesting points are quickly moved on from rather than explored. The relationship between the main character and his wife Ally is unsettling — He views her as a mother or as an object to project his “love” (or rather, possessiveness and jealousy) on. He seems quietly passive-aggressive towards Ally’s animal rights activism, climate anxiety and veganism. In fact, the main character seems annoyed with ANYTHING about his wife or son that interferes in the slightest with his two priorities: sleep and work. It’s a character study or social commentary rather than a book with a plot.
The upside is that there are a few instances of beautiful writing and insights into the universal meaning of human and non-human life. If you want to go along on a life journey with a struggling father and wise son in Wisconsin, this is for you.
I am surprised that “Bewilderment” is categorized under the moods “sad” and “emotional”. The writing is neither sad nor emotional. Rather, the book is informative, scientific and inspiring with a view to animal rights activism and astrobiology. It reflects the current sociopolitical climate. The atmosphere is overwhelmingly anxious and tense. The most interesting points are quickly moved on from rather than explored. The relationship between the main character and his wife Ally is unsettling — He views her as a mother or as an object to project his “love” (or rather, possessiveness and jealousy) on. He seems quietly passive-aggressive towards Ally’s animal rights activism, climate anxiety and veganism. In fact, the main character seems annoyed with ANYTHING about his wife or son that interferes in the slightest with his two priorities: sleep and work. It’s a character study or social commentary rather than a book with a plot.
The upside is that there are a few instances of beautiful writing and insights into the universal meaning of human and non-human life. If you want to go along on a life journey with a struggling father and wise son in Wisconsin, this is for you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child death, Medical content, Death of parent
Moderate: Child abuse, Violence, Xenophobia, Medical trauma, Car accident, Injury/Injury detail, Deportation
Minor: Misogyny, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship