The Road that should be taken
Sat 05 June 2010
Brooke Potter, Bachelor of Journalism
The Road is a haunting snapshot of what post-apocalyptic survival could be.
McCarthy creates a vivid image of the struggle of father and son, using simple but elegant language that connects you strongly to the characters despite the fact you know nothing about them (not even their names).
Set in America after an untold disaster that has all but wiped out civilisation, Papa and his boy are struggling to reach the Coast and the possibilities it may hold.
In every thought Papa has, you can feel his love for his son and his sorrow that the boy knows no other life than the present one.
The Road is about hardship and tragedy, on both a world and personal level, but is written with such beautiful words you cannot help but also be reminded of all the good.
Papa’s experience of his hellish existence is contrasted sharply with his memories of the good, simple life he had before.
It is a story encompassing the entire range of human emotion, both good and bad.
There is fierce, protective love and stabbing loss, desperation and hope.
The Road provokes introspective analysis, end of the world imaginings and remains at the forefront of your mind for days after the last page.
I would recommend this book to everyone who enjoys language and rich, emotive storytelling.
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Submitted Comments
great description!
charma