No Country For Old Men is my favorite of the four McCarthy novels I've read due to the setting and the theme. From what I understand the novel was originally written as a screenplay so that might have something to do with its externality. The movie is fantastic.
Now, I will have to say, while I love McCarthy he's not my favorite writer because I want internality of thought. I prefer introspective writing that goes into deep dives, something he engages with in The Passanger, but his other novels are very external.
That makes a lot of sense. It reads closely to a screenplay. I also like internal thought, so much so that I was surprised that I like his novel as much as I did. A lot to learn through him, a lot that you miss without the insight into what a character is thinking and feeling. I particularly missed this with Moss. His motives still feel mysterious to me.
I was fascinated by the movie and now want to read the book. You have brought to light aspects of the story I don't remember or realize were happening. Thanks for the insightful post.
McCarthy was a master. The Road is one of the few books I read again every once in a while. He has heavily influenced my writing. It's incredible how captivating his every sentence is, despite the reasonably simple vocabulary he uses.
I've actually been reading this myself lately. It took some time for me to get used to the lack of interior monologue (I actually thought Llewelyn was a sociopath at first), but it has a really interesting style and great pacing.
Also, I agree about the coin flip scene being terrifying.
It made me so nervous! I still really don't understand Llewelyn, to the point that trying to figure his character out makes me itchy. But I have people in my life who are like that...I'm always dying to know what's going on inside, and I probably never will.
Most interesting observations about McCarthy and No Country... But honestly I am more interested in the questions and quandaries that peak out of your writing, the insights you offer that are from perspectives only known to Shaina in the moment. And to end with your observation about the randomness at play at any one instaint in life leaves a mental worm that probably won't go away for a while. It's a question that makes many not want to leave the presumed safety of home.
No Country For Old Men is my favorite of the four McCarthy novels I've read due to the setting and the theme. From what I understand the novel was originally written as a screenplay so that might have something to do with its externality. The movie is fantastic.
Now, I will have to say, while I love McCarthy he's not my favorite writer because I want internality of thought. I prefer introspective writing that goes into deep dives, something he engages with in The Passanger, but his other novels are very external.
Where do you place Blood Meridian? Sadly, I haven't read any of his books yet but BM is the one that draws me most.
That makes a lot of sense. It reads closely to a screenplay. I also like internal thought, so much so that I was surprised that I like his novel as much as I did. A lot to learn through him, a lot that you miss without the insight into what a character is thinking and feeling. I particularly missed this with Moss. His motives still feel mysterious to me.
That coin flip scene as it plays out in the movie is one of the more intense cinematic experiences of all time.
I have yet to watch the movie! The scene in the book made me so nervous.
I was fascinated by the movie and now want to read the book. You have brought to light aspects of the story I don't remember or realize were happening. Thanks for the insightful post.
It'll wreck you in the movie. The actor playing the store owner is sooo good, a sparkling character actor.
McCarthy was a master. The Road is one of the few books I read again every once in a while. He has heavily influenced my writing. It's incredible how captivating his every sentence is, despite the reasonably simple vocabulary he uses.
Yes Thomas! The language is straightforward, simple, yet you’re enthralled with the story. Amazing really.
I've actually been reading this myself lately. It took some time for me to get used to the lack of interior monologue (I actually thought Llewelyn was a sociopath at first), but it has a really interesting style and great pacing.
Also, I agree about the coin flip scene being terrifying.
It made me so nervous! I still really don't understand Llewelyn, to the point that trying to figure his character out makes me itchy. But I have people in my life who are like that...I'm always dying to know what's going on inside, and I probably never will.
Fantastic, Shaina. Great synopsis, thoughts and read.
Now then, the film... That scene with the coin toss. It's sooo good. The tension.
I need to see the film now. I love the actors, so I'm counting on it being very good.
Such a good film. I rewatched it just last weekend.
Thanks for the shoutout!!
Any time!!!
Most interesting observations about McCarthy and No Country... But honestly I am more interested in the questions and quandaries that peak out of your writing, the insights you offer that are from perspectives only known to Shaina in the moment. And to end with your observation about the randomness at play at any one instaint in life leaves a mental worm that probably won't go away for a while. It's a question that makes many not want to leave the presumed safety of home.