I avoided the book until I saw it at the library. My initial impression was correct; it is horrific event fiction. In fact, it is one long series of horrible happenings. However, the writing is engaging and Tartt creates a terrific sense of place.
I hung on until the middle when the main character's constant musings finally made my eyes glaze. Then I skimmed. More bad things happen and much musing about those bad things. The character concludes that life is a pit but maybe a thing of beauty can sustain you.
Gee, thanks. I feel much better. Pass me the vodka.
And why did Boris, who spent a good part of his formative years in the U.S., still, as an adult, speak English with a bad Hollywood Russian accent? Just because he was Badenov's namesake doesn't mean he couldn't master syntax.
Overall I didn't like the book. Some parts are memorable but the main character isn't as interesting as those surrounding him.
For July I am reading Flashman by George MacDonald Fraser. "Hilariously funny" says the N.Y. Times Book Review. We shall see.
Book count so far: 59.
I too kept seeing this one on lots of blogs and it seemed to be very much a Marmite book. I had it on my wish list for a while but as most of the reviews were against rather than for I decided to delete it and go for something a little more interesting. think I may be just behind you on the book count at around 51 or 52 books so far this year. I like to keep a tally if only to see the reaction of my son when I tell him how many I have read over the last year when he reads may 1-4 in any 12 month period.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I am suspicious if books are too popular. I am intrigued by the term Marmite book. What does it mean?
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