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ella_bee07 's review for:
Cockroach
by Rawi Hage
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
It was an uncomfortable, candid read with a highly ambiguous main character. The book was difficult to get into at first because of the stark portrayal of the protagonist/(or maybe antagonist)'s unapologetically ugly and morally grey thoughts and past. The unnamed narrator's dishonest actions, unabashed lust, cryptic thoughts, traumatic past and overall unhappiness left me unsure of how to feel; with hints of compassion for his pain whilst still finding him vaguely despicable. The reason I did not give this book a higher rating was because this book was deeply uncomfortable to read. The narrator was so well-written that he radiated misery and I finished the book with an unresolved sense of confusion despite the otherwise thrilling twist that ended the novel.
Overall, it was a dark blunt depiction of a perhaps unlovable main character and his struggles to fit in and survive in his impoverished predicament- often taking on a confusingly dreamlike quality as his identity shifts from human to cockroach to get by. I feel that there is much more to unpack in this novel (it is rich in allusions and would probably make a great book club read), and am tempted to reread it when I am older. I have a feeling I will understand and notice things I could not now, and enjoy on a deeper level then.
Overall, it was a dark blunt depiction of a perhaps unlovable main character and his struggles to fit in and survive in his impoverished predicament- often taking on a confusingly dreamlike quality as his identity shifts from human to cockroach to get by. I feel that there is much more to unpack in this novel (it is rich in allusions and would probably make a great book club read), and am tempted to reread it when I am older. I have a feeling I will understand and notice things I could not now, and enjoy on a deeper level then.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt