Scan barcode
shieldbearer's review
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Alright, so I can see why this book is a classic, and there are absolutely elements of it I respect. It's very clearly well researched and the prose directly reflects the time it was written. The way the author writes about Books' illness is also very clearly well researched - down to utilizing spoon theory in all but name, and in ways that surprised me as Books' illness is utilized as the serious matter it would be.
However, there's the sexism. And the blatant antisemitism and racism. I nearly quit reading in the scene where the peddler shows up, but I stuck around because I wanted to see how the plotline with the son resolves. It doesn't. It feels like there's No Ending to the other characters. Once Books dies, we're supposed to disengage and stop caring even though certain plot threads don't really get a resolution.
However, there's the sexism. And the blatant antisemitism and racism. I nearly quit reading in the scene where the peddler shows up, but I stuck around because I wanted to see how the plotline with the son resolves. It doesn't. It feels like there's No Ending to the other characters. Once Books dies, we're supposed to disengage and stop caring even though certain plot threads don't really get a resolution.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Cancer, Chronic illness, Cursing, Death, Drug use, Gore, Gun violence, Misogyny, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Blood, Medical content, and Alcohol
Moderate: Drug use, Racism, Sexual content, Xenophobia, Antisemitism, Death of parent, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Drug abuse and Sexual assault
namizaela's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
"I wish I had not been such a loner all my life. I wish I had been more worthy of love, and given a damn sight more. God I wish I had it to do all over again. I would do it better."
I think this book had a very clear goal in mind, and it accomplished it. I think the goal was to paint a portrait of a flawed, morally ambiguous man who, at the end of his life, makes good of the time he has left. I cried multiple times because of the sheer emotion. I wouldn't say the prose is beautiful, but it is understated and sincere and purposeful in a way that makes every word resonate. The relationship between John and the owner of the rental house was so sad, because it showed how John was (in my opinion) a good man underneath his reputation.
I will say thatGillom's actions in the end angered me. I was rooting for him to become good, but I guess the author was trying to show that not everything turns out the way we want it to? To me, it ruined the ending a little bit because it just shows the cycle continuing, and I was anticipating something more hopeful.
I think this book had a very clear goal in mind, and it accomplished it. I think the goal was to paint a portrait of a flawed, morally ambiguous man who, at the end of his life, makes good of the time he has left. I cried multiple times because of the sheer emotion. I wouldn't say the prose is beautiful, but it is understated and sincere and purposeful in a way that makes every word resonate. The relationship between John and the owner of the rental house was so sad, because it showed how John was (in my opinion) a good man underneath his reputation.
I will say that
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Terminal illness, Violence, and Medical content
Moderate: Confinement and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Addiction, Racism, Rape, and Antisemitism