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Community comment are the opinions of contributing users. These comment do not represent the opinions of Omaha Public Library.
Feb 26, 2018murphym323 rated this title 2.5 out of 5 stars
The review on the back should be read as a warning: "Remarkably devoid of any sentimentality." This is a frustrating read. So much happens in this book to each of its interesting characters, yet it seems as though nothing truly happens. There are deaths that are quickly moved past, horrors committed by many. Each of the characters is depressed in their own way, and though they have many opportunities to learn from each other, each fails to do so in a meaningful way. I was left wanting for more insight into the characters' growths, but instead left with a blaisé feeling of "it is what it is. We suffer, we keep moving." Understandably, this could have been McCullers' intent for the book (read the last page if you want the summation of the book's purpose told through the eyes of one of the characters), but it was still an angering read. Granted for how much I have thought about this book for the past few weeks since I have read it, maybe it is more lasting and impactful than my 2.5 stars gives it credit. However, this book is not enjoyable. Nothing good happens, and I did not feel for the characters (with the exception of Singer and the Dr.) when tragedy did befall them. Alas, it is a book written in the 40s when this style and thought were thought to be interuptive and compelling. It paved the way for other writers to expand on this "tragedy of the human spirit" motif, but ah, I only wish it had been more enjoyable.