Postby Cèid Donn » Sat Mar 09, 2019 9:54 am
I don't understand your 3/10 rating (or why you feel we need an ambiguous number rating like that). What qualities, or lack thereof, are you gauging with that rating? Is it because you thought the story lacked merit, and therefore not worthy of a reader's time? Or that it's not good for learners? Or is it simply because you didn't find the book "fun" or personally disagree with the book's themes or politics? I honestly don't know what we are suppose to make out of that rating, especially given this author apparently has received some prestigious awards (also, the Nobel for Literature is typically awarded to an author whose overall body of work offers something exemplary, and not for a particular publication). I personally find the themes and topics you mentioned in your comments about it interesting, but then you give it a low rating, so...???
Well, you are absolutely and totally correct to say what you did and to ask the question you did. I was hoping I could slip under the radar with that one.
My explanation to your question is that I don’t like to criticize or tear things apart in general. Especially in this case since this author has noble themes dealing with the refugees/homeless worldwide and the traumas they undergo. I totally respect his speaking up for the downtrodden.
That said I do have some problems with his writing:
• He has as the main character who is this penniless, downtrodden, stateless young woman travelling across three continents of the world in search of her true identity and her home. It just isn’t real. The character somehow floats from one country to another, but one never learns how the character is able to support herself financially. Her whole journey lacks credibility. She just floats through different situations, all the time seemingly financially independent. It’s unreal.
• And then there is the author’s tendency to have a long list of characters, many of which get mixed around but not really developed. Just for the record, I have read both
David Copperfield and
War and Peace. Three times each and at 10 yr. intervals. They had characters that were ..developed..and not just popped in and out of a plot artificially.
• The author is a great believer of Frantz Fanon and his
The Wretched of the Earth. I have not read this book, but he is obviously trying to put flesh, blood and emotions on the theories of that book.
• Any artist must commit to their art wholeheartedly in the presentation of their art. There are many instances throughout the book where the author really does show a creative flair for plot development but mostly the author just lacks credibility and commitment.
That said, the book was awarded the 2008 Nobel prize for literature. Whatever. But then again M. Houellebecq has received the Prix Goncourt prize in French literature, given by the académie Goncourt to the author of "the best and most imaginative prose work of the year." Believe me there are many who feel/think that award to M. Houellebecq was misplaced. Me among them. So I guess I don’t fly with the flock.
In summary, there are very many books in French literature that I truly love. Truly. I guess I love French literature, but just not All French literature. Also, I know it is part of the French national character to debate so I guess I am becoming a bit more French with each book.
Please somebody out there read this book and tell me why it should be the 2008 Nobel prize for literature. Seriously.
Or better yet, tell me a book in French literature of the 20th-21st century that you really like, because I do want to learn.
Cèid Donn I have tried to write a respectful answer to your question and hope you find it so.
Thank you.