Scan barcode
A review by stlake
The Monkey Wrench Gang by Edward Abbey
challenging
hopeful
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
I read this book because a woman I love has a father for whom this book is an invaluable novel. They are very good people. This is why I was committed to finishing it, but I probably wouldn’t have otherwise. It’s hard to tell if the author is actually racist and sexist, or if the characters are simply supposed to be real portraits of people he just equips with unchecked racism and sexism— in either case, I found the writing ironically cynical when it came to the dialogue and descriptions of characters.
Of course, this leaves the reader to remember: people needn’t be perfect to devote themselves to a worthy cause.
The overall plot and message of the book, is admirable and worthwhile though. I liked what the characters were up to and why. There are some really great sentences throughout— which make the writing style rewarding. Little prizes throughout to those who read it carefully.
Overall: there are valuable lessons to be learned from this gang of unlikely bedfellows. The nature is definitely the star of this novel. Tough character development and dialogue. Dislikable rhetoric and characterization. Enticing writing style.
Inspiring for future eco terrorism.
Of course, this leaves the reader to remember: people needn’t be perfect to devote themselves to a worthy cause.
The overall plot and message of the book, is admirable and worthwhile though. I liked what the characters were up to and why. There are some really great sentences throughout— which make the writing style rewarding. Little prizes throughout to those who read it carefully.
Overall: there are valuable lessons to be learned from this gang of unlikely bedfellows. The nature is definitely the star of this novel. Tough character development and dialogue. Dislikable rhetoric and characterization. Enticing writing style.
Inspiring for future eco terrorism.