The Road by Cormac McCarthy
The first three things you notice about The Road are that Mr. McCarthy
shuns punctuation, that nothing much is happening, and that you can't
put down the book. In his telling of a relatively simple story, the
author quickly grabs your aching heart and won't let go.
The story follows a father and his young son on a journey through a
post-nuclear war America that could be next week. Most of the population
has died, all of the plant and animal life lies dead on the scorched
landscape, and nearly all hope has been crushed. The father and son
cling to one another against the lawless world, journeying toward the
sea where they hope to find others of like mind and purpose. Along the
way they fight cannibal clans, deep hunger, and crushing despair. The
man does his best to hide the despair from his son, and to infuse the
boy with what little hope he has left. He repeatedly reminds the boy,
"We are the good guys." This becomes one of the central themes of the
book - holding onto the greater aspects humanity when the whole world
has abandoned its soul. Their journey becomes a symbol of noble
survival, and the fight to maintain what is good in a man when only
darkness remains.
This novel is not expressly for teenagers, and it is definitely not for
everyone. It does not resolve in a satisfying conclusion. It is not
uplifting save for brief, shining moments. It does not leave you
smiling. However, it will shatter your heart, and leave you pondering
its meaning for days. This will be one of those stories you remember
always. If you want happily-ever-after, avoid this book. If you want to
be moved to your core, then this novel is mandatory reading.
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