Great piece here. Just finished reading The Orchard Keeper this morning and I think you capture what makes it both strange and compelling. It's not really trying to tell a story or even invite you into a world. You're kept as an outsider while these men talk and monologue and behave badly.
It's a tricky and slippery book because I, at least, kept waiting for it to become something different.
Great points. And it's a testament to McCarthy's (super)powers that he's able to keep stringing you along until the very end. Good to have you along for at least the first part of this book club. Hope you'll stick around.
Thanks! Do we know officially that it's his last? He might have one more in him...! We can hope. And besides, Stella Maris was published after The Passenger. Have you read that one?
Anyway no the whole reason I started this Cormac McMonthly thing is because I wanted to build up to The Passenger and Stella Maris, which I have not yet read. I wanted to put them in context first, by reading everything that came before.
I recall reading way back when The Passenger was rumoured that he had said it was his last. Also he’s pushing 90 so... we can be hopefully but it’s more than likely he’s done.
Great idea reading his catalogue before jumping into The Passenger/Stella Maris. So many great books there.
I just loved the 12 books, 12 months hook, and already knew that McCarthy was one of my favourite writers. Giving myself an excuse to go back and check out his earliest stuff has been a treat.
Great piece here. Just finished reading The Orchard Keeper this morning and I think you capture what makes it both strange and compelling. It's not really trying to tell a story or even invite you into a world. You're kept as an outsider while these men talk and monologue and behave badly.
It's a tricky and slippery book because I, at least, kept waiting for it to become something different.
But then it's over.
Great points. And it's a testament to McCarthy's (super)powers that he's able to keep stringing you along until the very end. Good to have you along for at least the first part of this book club. Hope you'll stick around.
This makes me want to check out Cormac McCarthy's novels.
That’s about the best response I could have hoped for!
Great write up? Have you read The Passenger yet? It’s on my book shelf but knowing it’s his last I just... can’t bring myself to start it.
Thanks! Do we know officially that it's his last? He might have one more in him...! We can hope. And besides, Stella Maris was published after The Passenger. Have you read that one?
Anyway no the whole reason I started this Cormac McMonthly thing is because I wanted to build up to The Passenger and Stella Maris, which I have not yet read. I wanted to put them in context first, by reading everything that came before.
I recall reading way back when The Passenger was rumoured that he had said it was his last. Also he’s pushing 90 so... we can be hopefully but it’s more than likely he’s done.
Great idea reading his catalogue before jumping into The Passenger/Stella Maris. So many great books there.
I just loved the 12 books, 12 months hook, and already knew that McCarthy was one of my favourite writers. Giving myself an excuse to go back and check out his earliest stuff has been a treat.
Yeah that’s an awesome idea. Diving into his earlier books was one of my favourite experiences as a reader!