24 Comments
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Christopher Booth's avatar

What a thoughtful and precise review. I read CMcC a long while back, and you have made me want to read him again, as a much older man. Blood Meridian scared the wits out of me. I expect it will do all the more now.

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Joel J Miller's avatar

Thanks! I’m thinking of re-reading BM. I remember it being pretty disturbing as well.

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Joseph Griffiths's avatar

Wanted to thank you for this recommendation. I picked it up and read it after reading your post. It is dark, but his writing is compelling and "honest," and, as you say, it leads you along until you find yourself somehow rooting for Lester to survive. I suppose that's what makes McCarthy one of the greats -- he tells a dark tale so honestly that you can't help but get swept up in it. Peering at the world through the eyes of someone you'd loathe and fear in real life but who you can't help but find sympathy for in the pages of his books.

At any rate, always appreciate your recommendations and enjoy your reviews. Thanks for taking the time to share.

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Joel J Miller's avatar

That’s exactly it! McCarthy was brilliant.

And thanks for reading: Your feedback is super encouraging!

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Mike Boody's avatar

Just finished this book a few months ago. The day after I turned over the last page, my cat peed on the book and I had to throw it out. Somehow that seemed like a fitting sequence of events. I absolutely loved it -- mostly because, yeah, McCarthy's saying something really disturbing right there at the beginning -- "a child of God much like yourself". We're only 1 or 2 twists of fate away from being Lester, and we'll all end up the same way.

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Carol's avatar

Just borrowed it. I love a lot of Cormac’s work but not all. Very interesting man. Very interesting mind.

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Joel J Miller's avatar

It’s incredibly well written. Despite the repulsive content, the writing is a treat.

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Andy Frakes's avatar

Wow. Such an insightful and compelling review of a book that I now want to (need to) read ASAP. Love this!

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Carol's avatar

I found it hard to get through but I made myself finish it. I only started to feel for him in one instance but immediately changed my mind. Sometimes you just have to let a person go … I would never wish to run into someone like him.

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Joel J Miller's avatar

It’s like an empathy yo-yo!

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Derek Holser's avatar

Thank you for setting the table so well. It was so invigorating to discuss with you. Until next time, all the best!

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Joel J Miller's avatar

Man, I can’t wait until folks can hear what you’re working on. You reinvigorated my enthusiasm for this book; very grateful.

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Jennifer DAlessandro's avatar

I haven't read Child of God, but this review made me think of Patrick Suskind's Perfume: The Story of a Murderer, another well-written book with a repulsive main character/content. So if you're looking for more recommendations along those lines, there you go!

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Joel J Miller's avatar

I’m not sure I am, but thanks! Always grateful for a recommendation!

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RECrowley's avatar

Professional grade writing here. Thank you for reading so I don’t have to.

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Joel J Miller's avatar

LOL. My pleasure! And thanks!

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Correspondences's avatar

I really like your take on this. Somehow, McCarthy always makes me think about the inevitability of the situations he describes, since he's always so spot on, so accurate in uncovering the world and its dynamics. But there's always more (which is often the most difficult part to define in his works): in this case, all the issues that you have pointed out very well regarding humanity and its meaning. (The stuffies! Also, I think that even just the descriptions of his struggle for survival make one feel closer to this character).

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Joel J Miller's avatar

The inevitability thing is real; it all feels so authentic and visceral.

He’s a genius at getting the reader to care about Ballard, a character with virtually nothing redeeming at all.

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John's avatar

Blood Meridian had no redemption in it but some marvellous (used advisedly) characterisations. This book is hard to read and, perhaps, in my opinion, less worthwhile. Just my 2 cents. Nice review, thank you.

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Joel J Miller's avatar

Thanks for reading!

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Paulette's avatar

Your excellent review is sufficient for me, thank you. Road was disturbing enough for me. Not my favorite author.

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Joel J Miller's avatar

It’s definitely not for everyone. I’m glad you enjoyed the review, though!

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Mrs. Erika Reily's avatar

The detail about the gorilla sitting on a stool eating a red cabbage: YES. Master at work.

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Mar 1
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Joel J Miller's avatar

Thanks! I enjoyed reading-engaging this novel; I first read it almost 20 years ago now.

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