The Road was my first Cormac McCarthy read. I found it intense and gripping, though hard to read with all the graphic scenes. Still, overall, it was beautiful and hopeful as I watched the love the father had for his son by protecting him and preparing him for the time when he would no longer be with him.
Yes, it wasn't a pleasant read at times but very thoughtful. I think what impressed me most was that in this book the father is the hero while the mother opts out of life, which is not the usual substance of stories today.
I keep forgetting that about the mother, as I was so focused on the beauty of the father's relationship to his son. Now I'm reminded of another story in which - if memory serves - the mother leaves the father and children. It's called Plague Journal by Michael D. O'Brien and the father must assume the care for his children. He's an editor for a local paper and the 'powers that be' take issue with what he writes and stir up trouble. He must then take some drastic steps to save himself and his children. Have you read Michael D. O'Brien? I absolutely love everything he writes. He's a Catholic author and painter and does some amazing work - still living today. Island of the World, Father Elijah, The Father's Tale, The Lighthouse, The Fool of New York City are some I've really enjoyed.
This story was so haunting. I read it towards the end of 2021, when I had felt like my disheveled post-covid world matched that of the environment in this setting. Dramatic, I know, but that's what it felt like in the moment living in California, and I was mentally preparing for an apocalyptic world. But I also thought about why McCarthy felt like he had to write this story. That's what made me get chills. It really is a worthwhile read, and I think everyone comes away with something different. Like how you felt connection with the story of Job and his ability to go on.
Hi Gretchen Joanna, I’d heard of the title but there was another book I got it confused with & something I read about that one put me off. When I realised my mistake I found that our library had it so I decided to read it. As Ruth mentioned below, it is haunting but I loved the way the author had with words. I also liked the relationship the father had with his son. Tender & tough.
It would have been a bit scary to read this in the midst of the Covid dramas. I like reading dystopian lit but apart from Alas Babylon & Nevil Shute’s On the Beach, I don’t think I’ve read any other pre/post apocalyptic books. On the Beach was more depressing than either of the others.
The Road was my first Cormac McCarthy read. I found it intense and gripping, though hard to read with all the graphic scenes. Still, overall, it was beautiful and hopeful as I watched the love the father had for his son by protecting him and preparing him for the time when he would no longer be with him.
Yes, it wasn't a pleasant read at times but very thoughtful. I think what impressed me most was that in this book the father is the hero while the mother opts out of life, which is not the usual substance of stories today.
I keep forgetting that about the mother, as I was so focused on the beauty of the father's relationship to his son. Now I'm reminded of another story in which - if memory serves - the mother leaves the father and children. It's called Plague Journal by Michael D. O'Brien and the father must assume the care for his children. He's an editor for a local paper and the 'powers that be' take issue with what he writes and stir up trouble. He must then take some drastic steps to save himself and his children. Have you read Michael D. O'Brien? I absolutely love everything he writes. He's a Catholic author and painter and does some amazing work - still living today. Island of the World, Father Elijah, The Father's Tale, The Lighthouse, The Fool of New York City are some I've really enjoyed.
I’ve read Island of the World, Eclipse of the Sun ? I think it was that one; & Landscape with Dragons.
This story was so haunting. I read it towards the end of 2021, when I had felt like my disheveled post-covid world matched that of the environment in this setting. Dramatic, I know, but that's what it felt like in the moment living in California, and I was mentally preparing for an apocalyptic world. But I also thought about why McCarthy felt like he had to write this story. That's what made me get chills. It really is a worthwhile read, and I think everyone comes away with something different. Like how you felt connection with the story of Job and his ability to go on.
I heard about this book as soon as it came out but until your review nothing I read about it made it seem worth my time. You’ve changed my mind.
Hi Gretchen Joanna, I’d heard of the title but there was another book I got it confused with & something I read about that one put me off. When I realised my mistake I found that our library had it so I decided to read it. As Ruth mentioned below, it is haunting but I loved the way the author had with words. I also liked the relationship the father had with his son. Tender & tough.
It would have been a bit scary to read this in the midst of the Covid dramas. I like reading dystopian lit but apart from Alas Babylon & Nevil Shute’s On the Beach, I don’t think I’ve read any other pre/post apocalyptic books. On the Beach was more depressing than either of the others.