This is a book that I wish didn’t exist. It is a book that I almost quit a half a dozen times. This is a book that, at least in whole, I will never reThis is a book that I wish didn’t exist. It is a book that I almost quit a half a dozen times. This is a book that, at least in whole, I will never read again. And this is a book that certainly warrants the critical praise it has received, including its National Book Award. It is appalling, raw, graphic, clever, and overwhelmingly intimate. Above all, it is brilliant. Actually, maybe above all, it is heartbreaking. Regardless, it is an unforgettable experience.
Specific notes: The prose is lovely from beginning to end.
I almost bailed because of the explicit sexual content, involving young teenagers nonetheless. It is still far too much for me, but I a hesitant to call it gratuitous because of the overall context. Being said, I will not return to that part. I know what it is communicating, and I don't feel the desire to read it again.
However, I will return to the final two sections again, and probably again. The shift to "Karen" and beyond is where this book truly shines, and I was so happy that I persevered through my desires to abandon the book early on.
I have seen complaints about the ending online. I found the ending incredible. It felt like a Mike Tyson punch to the gut, but I thought it was near perfect.
Great novel. A third of the way through, I was geared up to get online and rip all of the award givers for choosing this novel, but by the end I was looking for more of Choi's work to add to my collection....more
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