Posted on August 22, 2005 by Tito
I read this, my first Vollmann book, as part of my participation in Ed’s Reading Vollmann campaign. At over 800 pages, it was no quickie. Perhaps I should have started with another? I read it in lurches, as is not uncommons for me - rarely do I read one book at a time. I liked it, but wonder if it couldn’t be pared down somewhat? Though I don’t know what could be cut - it is an intricate story that leaps back and forth in time, with self-references, and multiple accounts of some events. As such, the structure is most impressive, but there are parts where Vollmann’s writing is striking, particularly one passage describing in beautiful detail the horrific lashings of one character. Despite the sometimes "gritty" portrayals of violence, Vollmman possesses a light touch - never brow beating a point, leaving much of the story between the lines. His nuanced view of many easily cariacature characters is also very much appreciated.
Finished July 31, 2005
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