This was a slightly unusual book that was recommended online. I’m glad I read it, but I’m not sure I liked the style of the writing.
The story focuses on a main character who sort of drifts through life. I think it illustrates well the problem with being overly passive, almost to the level of it being a toxic trait. It is hard to relate to this character, but we follow him through various stages of his life in a sort of a circle.
While the events of the story seem to show the dangers of passivity, I failed to see much development in the character, so I was just hoping this guy would wake up and confront life. We saw the same thing happening with his son later on, and the risk of perpetuating the cycle.
One interesting aspect of the storytelling is that there were key moments that we don’t see happen. The author fast-forwards past critical moments and we hear about them later. I enjoyed this because it kept the story moving and kept me guessing as to what the situation was once the fast forward was finished.
One key moment that we get to experience directly through the main character’s eyes involves his step-son, and it was the only moment that felt a little unlikely and completely orchestrated to make a brute force point.
It was an interesting format for a book, and while it wasn’t exactly my style it was educational to read.
Next I am reading A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin.
