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nowsarasays 's review for:
So Much Blue
by Percival Everett
So Much Blue explores the life of a painter through three interconnected flashback storylines, weaving together Kevin's past and present. His life unfolds in three distinct phases: as a student involved in a rescue mission in El Salvador during the early days of a civil war, as an established artist in France falling in love with his mistress, and as a detached husband and father who repeatedly fails his family in crucial ways.
While there are moments of Everett's introspective brilliance and undeniable talent, I found myself struggling with the book. The heavy focus on art and the artistic mindset didn’t resonate with my scientifically-oriented perspective, making it difficult to fully engage with the narrative. Additionally, I never really warmed to Kevin. He often felt self-absorbed and naive, particularly as a father, where his neglect of his daughter was both frustrating and damaging. Despite this, everything seemingly works out for him in the end, which left me feeling conflicted. Kevin’s most compelling storyline was from his college days, where his involvement in the civil war and subsequent escape stood out as a moment of depth. If the author aimed to create a protagonist who was unlikable but with redeeming qualities, they certainly succeeded.
Like with many of this author’s previous works, I needed some time to process the ending. However, even after reflection, it didn't provide the satisfying resolution I was hoping for.
While there are moments of Everett's introspective brilliance and undeniable talent, I found myself struggling with the book. The heavy focus on art and the artistic mindset didn’t resonate with my scientifically-oriented perspective, making it difficult to fully engage with the narrative. Additionally, I never really warmed to Kevin. He often felt self-absorbed and naive, particularly as a father, where his neglect of his daughter was both frustrating and damaging. Despite this, everything seemingly works out for him in the end, which left me feeling conflicted. Kevin’s most compelling storyline was from his college days, where his involvement in the civil war and subsequent escape stood out as a moment of depth. If the author aimed to create a protagonist who was unlikable but with redeeming qualities, they certainly succeeded.
Like with many of this author’s previous works, I needed some time to process the ending. However, even after reflection, it didn't provide the satisfying resolution I was hoping for.