The Road - Book Review

 

 

The Road

Cormac McCarthy

3.5 stars

 

 

 

 

 

I read this book because it came recommended by two family members (in their 30s). Perhaps I would have enjoyed it more if I had been as young as them. But after you have lived several more decades, the length and darkness of this book was almost more than I could tolerate.

There was a lot of repetition in the struggles faced by 'the man' and 'the boy'. Yes the world can be cruel but I felt that the author was clobbering me on the head with it. 
 
The tender moments are what I would expect of any (decent) parent with their child, bonded not only by blood but in the dire circumstances which were the stage of this book. These kind moments are the only thing that kept me reading.

Words shared by 'the man' with 'the boy' involved lessons in strength, resilience, faith and love. This was the one redeeming feature for me in a book that went on way too long. 
 
The Road, as the journey of two people who deeply cared for each other, sharing the lessons they'd learned could be a trek through many of our lives. What do you (choose to) learn?


We know the world is in a mess, survival is necessary, but did we find out why or how? I was relieved when this book ended.
 

Once again, if you read my previously posted review (Ghost Music), it's time for me to look for something more upbeat to read. These 'creatively open-ended' endings are not fulfilling my need for a complete story.

Send me your thoughts on this style of writing, does it work for you?

My next read, The Collected Regrets of Clover.

Until then,


 

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