Michael's Book Babble
I'm an indie author and a scribbler of inane babble. I talk about books I've read/liked. Or at least, that's the plan.
Most of the reviews will be considered "mini-reviews." Usually, it's mostly my reaction to what I've been reading. There are people who are far better at doing full and helpful reviews. But I still have fun doing them, and hope you enjoy them!
Ugly, dark, bleak... and unforgettable
I can see how Flannery O’Connor wouldn’t be everybody’s cup of tea. Her stories can be dark and bleak, and she has a way of writing about the most terrible people. Yet I love her. I absolutely love her. I don’t care how flawed or unlikeable her characters can be, there’s something about her prose and way of thinking that always has me going along for the ride.
The Violent Bear It Away is another success from O’Connor, and I wished she’d written more novels. While Wise Blood had more of a satiric bite to it, there is nothing satiric about this dark, haunting tale. You’ll have a helluva hard time finding a character you’ll like, but it’s so good. I was hooked as soon as I started it. This novel had me gasp aloud more than a couple of times. Even when I knew for sure something awful was about to happen, I still felt my heart pounding violently.
O’Connor’s world is dark and frightening. She’s not afraid to show you the ugly side of human nature. This book won’t be for everybody, but I loved it and it’ll go on my list of favorite books. I’ve always admired her short stories, and now I admire the talent she displayed with something longer. The Violent Bear It Away is ugly, but it’s also unforgettable.
4 and a half stars
(NOTE: I'm aware of O'Connor's religious background. I probably didn't take away any message the author intended, but that's okay. I still enjoyed the story, and because of that my take on it is most likely very different from that of the author's. You don't have to be religious to enjoy the story, IMO.)
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