Scan barcode
A review by ekane33
Cloudsplitter by Russell Banks
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Finally finished this huge novel after months of start-and-stop.
It explores John Browns life, history and motivation through the eyes of his son Owen but seems torn between being a memoir about Owen and being his effort to tell his fathers story. The novel is at least 100-150 pages longer than it needs to be (maybe more) and would have benefited greatly from a more aggressive editorial process.
Owen is, by turns, philosophical and deeply practical, may have had religious visions or doubts thr existence of God and his fathers faith. The long, long asides about animal husbandry, wool prices, and family dynamics add little to the story that couldn’t have been done as effectively in half the space
It explores John Browns life, history and motivation through the eyes of his son Owen but seems torn between being a memoir about Owen and being his effort to tell his fathers story. The novel is at least 100-150 pages longer than it needs to be (maybe more) and would have benefited greatly from a more aggressive editorial process.
Owen is, by turns, philosophical and deeply practical, may have had religious visions or doubts thr existence of God and his fathers faith. The long, long asides about animal husbandry, wool prices, and family dynamics add little to the story that couldn’t have been done as effectively in half the space