About 20 pages into The Road by Cormac McCarthy, I didn't think I was going to be able to finish the book. However, I had heard so many good things about the novel -- which features a theme that's right up my alley -- that I perservered. In the end, I'm glad I finished the book, but I know that I will never, ever read it again, and probably wouldn't recommend it to others.
My biggest problem with The Road was the author's use of language. I know that the lack of punctuation was for effect. I get that. But the inconsistencies drove me crazy -- I just couldn't turn off the inner editor in my mind. Why, Mr. McCarthy, do you only use commas in dialogue? (I mean, I have to guess that those sections were dialogue because you also don't seem to think quotation marks are important.) And why do you use apostrophes in some possessives and not others? Some contractions, but not others? In your post-apocalyptic world, is punctuation as scarce as food?
It's a shame that this device was so distracting, because in other ways, the writing is quite beautiful. McCarthy's word choice is surprising at times and very descriptive, helping draw the reader quickly into the despair felt by the story's nameless father and son, and painting a bleak image of the world they now live in.
The Road takes place years after a global disaster. Although it is never defined, I gathered that it was some kind of meteor event, based on the sooty air and the lack of concern over radiation. The story follows a father and young son -- each the other's whole world -- as they struggle to find food and resources by scavenging the scorched land. They are walking to the sea and to warmer climates, fighting a daily struggle to stay fed and to avoid contact with other survivors -- many of whom have resorted to cannibalism.
I know this was not supposed to be an uplifting story. But as a parent, I found it extremly difficult to read. The suffering is so palpable, and the love between the father and son is so compelling, even reading about their pain was almost unbearable. I considering closing the cover for good more than once.
Another problem I had with The Road was the naked and matter-of-fact horrors it contained. The gruesomeness of this new world was almost too much to stomach. For example, in one scene, the "good guys" encounter other survivors that are cooking a headless baby on a spit. I read horror, and expect to be shocked by authors when reading those books. But in this context, it was so grim and disturbing, I actually had nightmares about it.
Overall, I can't say The Road was a bad book. From a literary standpoint, I understand why it has received such acclaim -- McCarthy makes some very brave choices in his writing style and subject matter that really make the book notable.
But the bottom line is, I didn't like The Road, and I felt nothing other than a sense of relief when it was finished. I know Oprah recommended it, but I just can't do the same.
My biggest problem with The Road was the author's use of language. I know that the lack of punctuation was for effect. I get that. But the inconsistencies drove me crazy -- I just couldn't turn off the inner editor in my mind. Why, Mr. McCarthy, do you only use commas in dialogue? (I mean, I have to guess that those sections were dialogue because you also don't seem to think quotation marks are important.) And why do you use apostrophes in some possessives and not others? Some contractions, but not others? In your post-apocalyptic world, is punctuation as scarce as food?
It's a shame that this device was so distracting, because in other ways, the writing is quite beautiful. McCarthy's word choice is surprising at times and very descriptive, helping draw the reader quickly into the despair felt by the story's nameless father and son, and painting a bleak image of the world they now live in.
The Road takes place years after a global disaster. Although it is never defined, I gathered that it was some kind of meteor event, based on the sooty air and the lack of concern over radiation. The story follows a father and young son -- each the other's whole world -- as they struggle to find food and resources by scavenging the scorched land. They are walking to the sea and to warmer climates, fighting a daily struggle to stay fed and to avoid contact with other survivors -- many of whom have resorted to cannibalism.
I know this was not supposed to be an uplifting story. But as a parent, I found it extremly difficult to read. The suffering is so palpable, and the love between the father and son is so compelling, even reading about their pain was almost unbearable. I considering closing the cover for good more than once.
Another problem I had with The Road was the naked and matter-of-fact horrors it contained. The gruesomeness of this new world was almost too much to stomach. For example, in one scene, the "good guys" encounter other survivors that are cooking a headless baby on a spit. I read horror, and expect to be shocked by authors when reading those books. But in this context, it was so grim and disturbing, I actually had nightmares about it.
Overall, I can't say The Road was a bad book. From a literary standpoint, I understand why it has received such acclaim -- McCarthy makes some very brave choices in his writing style and subject matter that really make the book notable.
But the bottom line is, I didn't like The Road, and I felt nothing other than a sense of relief when it was finished. I know Oprah recommended it, but I just can't do the same.
Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
