I always feel slightly strange reading books like Catcher in the Rye because it is one of those books that I probably should have read in school... and not just read but highlighted and analysed to the nth degree. In other words this book should blow my mind!
To that end it succeeds... what in God's name is it supposed to be about?!!?!
Salinger to me has produced a story that is every bit as irritating as I found McEwan's book outlined below. The rather rambling narrative with no real aim or point is very off-putting. There is however, one big difference from McEwan... I like the character of Holden!
Salinger in between the monotonous story-line at least takes the time to develop the principal character to an extent that I actually identify myself with him. I can see myself as that gawky seventeen year old teenager with no real idea as to what is going on in my life, but a feeling that I know everything (which as 27 year old I can say that it is only now I know everything...). Yes Holden's voice can be disconcerting at times, but that is okay when the character is only in that "coming-of-age" period in his life.
I can also feel parallels with Haddon's character in the Curious Incident. Whereby in today's world Holden would probably be diagnosed with some form of Autism/Aspergers. Although that is perhaps coming from my educational background's need to pigeon-hole any person in order to help me understand where they are coming from.
Overall I am kind of mixed about whether to recommend this book or not. It is certainly a hell of a lot better than Saturday, but it still has a lack of a solid purpose/premise for me to really rate it.
No comments:
Post a Comment