The Melancholy of Resistance
3 journalers for this copy...
It seems to me that the back cover blurb seriously misstates the nature of this novel; but the blurb-writer can be forgiven, because it's very hard to come up with a brief description of this unconventional, disturbing, densely-worded, elliptical work. Furthermore, when discussing it, I don't want to reveal enough to spoil its considerable suspense. However, to simplify, it seems to concern itself with various ways of living in a world dominated by destruction and decay. There are two threads to the novel, both represented by a pair of contrasted characters. The depiction of the social world of the town centers on the respectable Mrs. Plauf and the power-seeking Mrs. Eszter. The second thread concerns the inner worlds of the mystic Valuska and the pessimist Eszter. Though the situation of the town has been troubled for a while, the crisis, which brings remarkable changes for all the characters, happens on the day that a strange traveling show sets up in town, a show that has been obsessively followed around by a sinister crowd.
The way this book is written makes it far from easy reading. It is not realistic, it is symbol-laden, dense with philosophic discussion, and worded in long sentences. But I think that it richly rewards paying attention. For one thing, it has an interesting narrative, sometimes comic, sometimes frightening. For another, the insights gained can be quite beautiful; the centerpiece of it, in my opinion, is the section concerning Eszter's adjustment to a new view of the world.
The way this book is written makes it far from easy reading. It is not realistic, it is symbol-laden, dense with philosophic discussion, and worded in long sentences. But I think that it richly rewards paying attention. For one thing, it has an interesting narrative, sometimes comic, sometimes frightening. For another, the insights gained can be quite beautiful; the centerpiece of it, in my opinion, is the section concerning Eszter's adjustment to a new view of the world.
Thanks so much for your donation Vasha!
This book is now part of the 1001-library. If you want to take this book from the library but don't know how to proceed, please refer to the 1001-library bookshelf.
In transit.
Journal Entry 4 by davemurray101 at Valentine, New South Wales Australia on Friday, February 4, 2011
Received in the post today from Vasha. Should be an interesting read.
Finished with Melancholy of Resistance. From the title and the Eastern European authorship one would think it might excessively deal with Communism or Nazism. But surprisingly little is about the totalitarian dictatorships - which is a good thing. I found it gripping, particularly the train scenes at the start.
This book is now back on the 1001 library bookshelf and can be borrowed by PMing davemurray101:)
If you want to take this book from the library but don't know how to proceed, please refer to the library bookshelf.
