I love your observation that McCarthy writes horror. He truly does. And I think you might have answered your own question about the one difference between "literary" and "genre" horror. I don't think genre horror pauses the plot for poetic moments as often as McCarthy does. I think "literary" fiction wants to teach us new ways to look at familiar things and concepts while "genre" usually strives to fulfill certain expectations. But before people yell at me, I'll add that I think there's plenty of fiction that purports to be literary (and wins critical acclaim and awards) but is actually genre work that fulfills political and cultural expectations. And there is plenty of literary horror that defies expectations.
Like it seems with this growing majority, I am not directly acquainted with his work. Just some film adaptations. Shaina, I appreciate your interest that benefits us all. For me, as things stand now, a full length novel of dark is just too much dark. This in spite of my recent interest in the short form of the almost same genres.
I've never read McCarthy, but thanks to @Shaina Read, I will. As for the woods being unaware of what we humans conspire to enact among the trees, the good and the bad, I think they know. Sometimes, walking a dark mountain on a moonless night, I've heard whispers, and later, somebody who witnessed or remembers, would tell me, "Yes, it was so..."
I'm late weighing in on this post by Shaina but I read No Country for Old Men many years ago and then saw Shaina was enthused abt the author so I got it from the library and read it again.
Analytics aside, two things for me: First the mention that one thing about old age is it doesn't last very long. A sobering reality. The other thing is the less-than-satisfying ending, but then I stop and remind myself evil is not always resolved, it is often accommodated--enabled. Think of tRump's seven-year reign that looks to be doubtful as far as any affirmative nod to truth and justice.
The one thing he has done that will never be given back to our citizens is he has convinced so many, perhaps some here, that our election process is corrupt. That's the triumph of evil personified.
The way Cormac McCarthy writes is intoxicating, or maybe even infectious. After reading something of his I find it impossible not to (poorly) imitate his writing style even if I’m working on something where it doesn’t fit at all. Honestly, I even find myself *thinking* similarly to that voice.
It’s just that it’s so easy to completely inhabit his stories, and to be subsumed by his voice. I haven’t read “No Country for Old Men” yet, (because I love the movie so much) but your post has me deciding it’s time to do so.
Have you tried borrowing his style at all in a practice piece of your own or anything like that? He’s so iconic that to me it just feels like harmless fun, since he can’t really be imitated. I can’t even get close! But it definitely *feels* different writing like he does, in a way I don’t think I can explain.
The other day you shared a “Note” about books that scare us (I forget your original wording). I almost responded with Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy because it contains some of the most grotesque and troubling scenes I’ve ever read. There are certain images you simply can’t unsee.
Thanks for sharing this Cormac McCarthy post! I enjoyed reading your thoughts. I’ve never read Child of God, so I’m going to add that to my reading list. My personal favorites of his are The Road and The Border trilogy. I think you’ll dig ‘em!
I’m reminded of that beautifully horrific Sufjan Stevens song about one of America’s most brutal serial killers just like him/me/us, https://youtu.be/QDPLqQp9cKI
You’ve probably heard it, I just buried the title under my description! It’s John Wayne Gacy, Jr. from The Illinois album. Sufjan fills my most listened lists, next to Trent Reznor and Isaac Brock.
I some how have never read any of his books, the closest I've gotten is watching the 2009 movie "The Road" based on his book of the same name. It's a good, if depressing and hard to watch movie.
I love your observation that McCarthy writes horror. He truly does. And I think you might have answered your own question about the one difference between "literary" and "genre" horror. I don't think genre horror pauses the plot for poetic moments as often as McCarthy does. I think "literary" fiction wants to teach us new ways to look at familiar things and concepts while "genre" usually strives to fulfill certain expectations. But before people yell at me, I'll add that I think there's plenty of fiction that purports to be literary (and wins critical acclaim and awards) but is actually genre work that fulfills political and cultural expectations. And there is plenty of literary horror that defies expectations.
I recommend Outer Dark next. It’s another swift and brutal little fable.
Like it seems with this growing majority, I am not directly acquainted with his work. Just some film adaptations. Shaina, I appreciate your interest that benefits us all. For me, as things stand now, a full length novel of dark is just too much dark. This in spite of my recent interest in the short form of the almost same genres.
Totally understand that Frank! A time for everything.
I've never read McCarthy, but thanks to @Shaina Read, I will. As for the woods being unaware of what we humans conspire to enact among the trees, the good and the bad, I think they know. Sometimes, walking a dark mountain on a moonless night, I've heard whispers, and later, somebody who witnessed or remembers, would tell me, "Yes, it was so..."
I love the way you put things and on reading this, I’m sure you’re right.
I agree, I think they are witnessing all we do. Also have you read The Overstory by Richard Powers. Takes this idea and runs with it!
I've read Overstory twice so far, Susan. Powers boggles. I chased this fox as best I could in my 2022 novel, The Winged Child
It was a big influence for me too, for my novel Earthly Bodies, but wider than that too. In fact I should reread it myself!
I'm late weighing in on this post by Shaina but I read No Country for Old Men many years ago and then saw Shaina was enthused abt the author so I got it from the library and read it again.
Analytics aside, two things for me: First the mention that one thing about old age is it doesn't last very long. A sobering reality. The other thing is the less-than-satisfying ending, but then I stop and remind myself evil is not always resolved, it is often accommodated--enabled. Think of tRump's seven-year reign that looks to be doubtful as far as any affirmative nod to truth and justice.
The one thing he has done that will never be given back to our citizens is he has convinced so many, perhaps some here, that our election process is corrupt. That's the triumph of evil personified.
The way Cormac McCarthy writes is intoxicating, or maybe even infectious. After reading something of his I find it impossible not to (poorly) imitate his writing style even if I’m working on something where it doesn’t fit at all. Honestly, I even find myself *thinking* similarly to that voice.
It’s just that it’s so easy to completely inhabit his stories, and to be subsumed by his voice. I haven’t read “No Country for Old Men” yet, (because I love the movie so much) but your post has me deciding it’s time to do so.
Have you tried borrowing his style at all in a practice piece of your own or anything like that? He’s so iconic that to me it just feels like harmless fun, since he can’t really be imitated. I can’t even get close! But it definitely *feels* different writing like he does, in a way I don’t think I can explain.
I must find a copy!
The other day you shared a “Note” about books that scare us (I forget your original wording). I almost responded with Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy because it contains some of the most grotesque and troubling scenes I’ve ever read. There are certain images you simply can’t unsee.
Thanks for sharing this Cormac McCarthy post! I enjoyed reading your thoughts. I’ve never read Child of God, so I’m going to add that to my reading list. My personal favorites of his are The Road and The Border trilogy. I think you’ll dig ‘em!
I’m definitely going to read through all of them!
I’m reminded of that beautifully horrific Sufjan Stevens song about one of America’s most brutal serial killers just like him/me/us, https://youtu.be/QDPLqQp9cKI
I’ve added Child of God to my TBR
Short read, like 3 hours. Really strange story.
I’ve never heard that but I’ll have to listen now. Been a long time since I listened to sufjan
You’ve probably heard it, I just buried the title under my description! It’s John Wayne Gacy, Jr. from The Illinois album. Sufjan fills my most listened lists, next to Trent Reznor and Isaac Brock.
Once again I come here to have another book(s) placed on my TBR pile :)
Appreciate the quotes to get a feel for his writing, too. Thanks Shaina.
I just read this about Cormac, too: https://countercraft.substack.com/p/how-literature-lasts-and-popular
edit: I meant to add that "No Country For Old Men" is one of my favourite moveis. So dark.
I’ve never seen the movie but definitely plan to now!
It's incredible, well worth a watch.
These were some great observations. I deeply enjoyed The Road and Blood Meridian.
He's so good. Some of his sentences leave me stunned. "All the Pretty Horses" is my favorite of his, and I also like The Road.
I some how have never read any of his books, the closest I've gotten is watching the 2009 movie "The Road" based on his book of the same name. It's a good, if depressing and hard to watch movie.