Cormac McCarthy and The End of The Road
Cormac McCarthy - The Road
I finished reading Cormac McCarthy's The Road a couple of days ago and, man, that was an intense book. Just one of those acts of perfection one is lucky enough to encounter in life every now and then. It's my first novel by McCarthy and I look forward to reading more.
I'm a lifetime fan of post-apocalyptic science fiction going back to my youth and my love of books like Robinson Crusoe and The Swiss Family Robinson are closely related. I wouldn't call this science fiction though I think it would be interesting to think through the implications of considering The Road a work of science fiction.
In any case, this is some sparse, stark writing that dropped me into a very bleak world that really made me question why the characters were choosing to continue to live. Though I've seen some hard times, obviously nothing as severe as the characters in The Road, I've never seriously questioned my will to live. In The Road, such a desire became almost inexplicable.
I did not think that there was a believable ending that could redeem this tale in a manner that reaffirmed the characters' will to live until I read it. I had some thoughts in mind but it was all Hollywood junk. I still can't believe McCarthy pulled it off so organically and believably. However, I've read other reviews by disappointed readers so, maybe I'm just weird!
Nevertheless, I was grateful for that ending. And for this marvelous book.
Thank you, Cormac McCarthy.
Could not agree more. The term Tour de Force is far over used but very suitable for this book. I had read Outerdark a few years ago and was not so struck with Mr. McCarthy and then, thanks to being snowed in and my brother just receiving a copy of this book, I polished this one off in 24 hours. Holy smokes. It gives me hope with modern literature still holding up the bar.
Posted by: EM | 02/01/2010 at 08:47 PM
That must have been a dark 24 hours. Actually, when I was getting things together for the storm, I kept thinking about that book!
I have a friend who recommended another McCarthy book based on the language and general tone of The Road. I'll follow up but haven't heard back from him yet and can't recall the title.
Posted by: Clyde Smith | 02/02/2010 at 01:35 PM
My friend recommended Blood Meridian for those that liked the language and darkness of The Road.
Who's my friend? Jeb Bishop, that's who!
http://www.jebbishop.com/
Posted by: Clyde Smith | 02/08/2010 at 06:15 PM