Okay, let's get this out of the way. Firstly, I have already read this book in high school. I didn't like it. That being said, I'm hoping this time around that I will have a better opinion of it.One of the things I recall not liking about this book is the writing style. And unfortunately, this remains true. Quinn has a very pedantic style, quite on purpose I believe. He's clearly teaching us a lesson through the narrator. I mean, the narrator doesn't even have a name, they're meant to stand in for us. And at this point, I don't even like the narrator. They come across as very jaded about something and very selfish as well. Perhaps this is on purpose, but whenever I read the narrator's thoughts or actions, I can't help but think of that guy who sits on the bus next to you having a loud phone conversation and obnoxiously eating potato chips with his mouth open; rude and entitled.
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| I cannot believe this, but someone made t-shirts. |
Speaking of that, this book is less of a novel and more of a fable at the present moment. We're just meant to accept the fact that the narrator can telepathically communicate with a gorilla. I mean, seriously? Again, I get where he's coming from, but it just rubs me the wrong way.
Also all this talk of Nazi Germany is weirding me out. And yes, I understand that Nazism is something almost everyone is familiar with, and can be an interesting study into the psychology of people (read more about that here) and all that. But, I find the example overused and franklu the way Ishmael almost justifies Hitler's regime unnerves me quite a lot.
Maybe it's just me, but I'm not too keen on this book quite yet.
Write to you later.
Danielle K.
Huh, this is a very intriguing review of the first two chapters. This is my first time reading it but I do believe that the writing style is very unique and you describe it well. I will say it makes it quick and easy to read though, which is the kind of writing I do prefer.
ReplyDeleteI have never read this book before and I actually like the writing style. It is written in a way that is easy to read and is more story form than Eaarth which I think makes it a faster read too.
ReplyDeleteI do agree with you that the telepathy with the gorilla seemed a little out there to me... I'm on the fence about the book so far, so it's interesting to get your perspective on it.
ReplyDeleteThe writing style hasn't phased me yet. The example of Nazi Germany was interesting, I like the parallel he draws between aimless following in that regime and now in this culture. I don't know how much more he can expand on it though, and it seems like it is an important example to the book.
ReplyDeleteDanielle, I appreciate your honesty, even though I really love this book :) However, I don't think I would wear the t-shirt ;)
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