Not Wanted On The Voyage
by Timothy FindleySign in to Goodreads to see your friends' reviews of this book.
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 320)
I can't recommend this to my students (be warned) because of some fairly graphic images, but it is so well written and such an interesting idea of Biblical "fiction." Could warp your head, but only if you let it. Oddly similar to Julian Barnes History of the World in 10 1/2 Chapters. Only this one came first.
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Four stars only because I sobbed my eyes out reading this wonderful, but gut-wrenchingly sad book. Cat lovers especially be warned.
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bookshelves:
canadian-lit,
fantasy-science-fiction,
fiction
Read in June, 2008
recommended to Katie_marie by:
Canada Reads
When reading a book I tend to prefer the first 3/4 of the book over the climax and denouement. The bulk of the book before the crisis builds the characters. It tends to set a rhythm and establish grooves that the characters fit into. To bring the book to a close these balances are disturbed.
Its general premise is taken from Genesis and the story of the flood but little other than the water, animals and names are parallel with the Bible. I was almost turned away at the beginning by the fantasy-...more
Its general premise is taken from Genesis and the story of the flood but little other than the water, animals and names are parallel with the Bible. I was almost turned away at the beginning by the fantasy-...more
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bookshelves:
five-stars
Read in January, 2008
Having read (and disliked) The Telling of Lies , oh, I don't know, in that year known as Y2K that seems so long ago, I anticipated a rough relationship with this book, another choice for Canada Reads 2008. I was so so so wrong. Like the computer glitch that was said to be capable of ending the world, the distaste never arrived. The lovely feline on the cover was the initial reason I carried this book everywhere I went, but soon I was so engrossed in the story that I was reading it in eve...more
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This was my first T. Findley book which I read on recommendation while traveling. I really liked how the characters were presented. It was a lively version of the Noah's Ark story.
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bookshelves:
bravissimo
Read in July, 2008
fantastic. deliciously anachronistic and playful and yet deadly serious. findley wrote biblical people as PEOPLE, and not as eons-removed, idealised prophet-gods, as they naturally come across in the bible. he wrote angels as having fears and loves and moral scatteredness. he wrote singing sheep and a drunken piano. he wrote protagonists i didn't always like or agree with, and antagonists i could understand. he wrote well and simply.
i'm looking forward to finding more of his books. i though...more
i'm looking forward to finding more of his books. i though...more
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i'm afraid andrea will be disgusted at my taste in books now that i've only given this three stars, on top of not loving carol shields... this was her number one pick for literary speed dating, almost a year ago, but it took me this long to get around to reading it. i enjoyed it, but i didn't love it. it was one where i felt like i might have been missing something, because i could see how it could be lovable (and this wasn't just me trying to agree with other people's opinions, because i only r...more
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bookshelves:
abandoned,
uni
Read in March, 2005
Well, while I'm adding books I've abandoned midway -- I have a feeling I gave up on this at just the point when it was about to get good, so I really should get back to it one of these days. The thing is, it's one of those novels where the first section is delivered from a really obnoxious, impenetrable and/or dull perspective (cf. The Sound and the Fury, except here it's a cat instead of a retarded/autistic child), which makes ...more
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Read in May, 2008
I had my doubts about the premise (a revision of Noah's story? it all sounds a little too easy, doesn't it? And I usually like that sort of thing), but despite some slow passages I really, really enjoyed this. It fulfils the promise on an intellectual level, offering some insights on how we conceive of our gods and our animals and how power operates through these relationships. And it works as a story, with characters that you feel for and tale that engages. Lives up to the reputation that it ha...more
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God I hated this book. The second star is generous because the guy's actual writing isn't horrible. I mean, he's literate. That's the most I can say. A Canadian recommended this to me. She said it was funny. I must have missed the joke, especially during the unicorn scene. Yuck. Dismal. Yeah, yeah, God is dead and all that. Seriously, the guy should have just saved himself and the rest of us some time. Neitzsche beat you to it.
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bookshelves:
fantasy,
mythology
I love this - Noah Noyes is 'orrible and what about that cross dressing Lucifer?
I bet someone somewhere has a whole lot to say on this take of the biblical story; I give it the full-blown five stars but will not recommend it on as I need to be able to sleep at night without the fundies a-coming for me.
I bet someone somewhere has a whole lot to say on this take of the biblical story; I give it the full-blown five stars but will not recommend it on as I need to be able to sleep at night without the fundies a-coming for me.
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Read in March, 2008
recommended to Danielle by:
Canada Reads
An amazing book that I couldn't put down and ended up finishing at 5am this morning. The story was both disturbing and amazing, and the writing was excellent. I can definitely see why it was chosen as one of the 5 books for Canada Reads.
One word of caution though - it may bring you to tears.
One word of caution though - it may bring you to tears.
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Read in January, 2001
This book may be hard to find but it is defintely worth the hunt!! Is it a comedy? Is it a serious look at the bizarreness of religion? Either way, it's guaranteed to offend most of you. The minority will be highly entertained. Pray for rain!!!
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bookshelves:
religion,
supernatural
Read in February, 2008
bought in Hamilton over Christmas 2007
I loved this book! The writing is great, the story is one we think we know - that of Noah's Ark, and the characters (especially the animals) are wonderful.
I loved this book! The writing is great, the story is one we think we know - that of Noah's Ark, and the characters (especially the animals) are wonderful.
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recommended to Elizabeth by:
Robert Waddleton
recommends it for: almost anyone
recommends it for: almost anyone
This is a retelling of Noah's Ark, as told through the eyes of his wife and his wife's blind cat. It is powerful, original and humane--a dark fantasy... Finley is an exquisite writer.
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bookshelves:
fiction
recommends it for: Marginal christians and atheists
Read in December, 2007
recommended to Corinna by:
Jonathanrecommends it for: Marginal christians and atheists
Great spoof of Noah and the arc. Unicorns are not meant for what they are used for in this story.
This book is hard to find, as it is out of print, so Mom--I want my copy back!!
This book is hard to find, as it is out of print, so Mom--I want my copy back!!
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Read in February, 2008
recommended to C by:
book club
really liked this book. A different twist on a bible story that makes you ask a few questions. Had to read this one for book club, which I'm sure will generate loads of discussion.
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Read in January, 1986
A thoroughly engaging remake of Noah, from one of Canada's best-kept secrets. It's always such a relief to find a writer who can tell so well a story worth telling.
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Read in September, 2007
Reimagining of the Noah story in an alternate universe, where Yaweh is feebleminded and his followers are evil. Very depressing. Very well-written
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Only read this in the summer. Winter may induce suicide. Great, imaginative book, though. The only book of his I've been able to read.
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book data (includes all editions)
avg rating (all editions): 3.96 (231 ratings) avg rating (this edition): 3.97 (186 ratings) number of reviews: 33popular shelves
other editions
quote
"They waited.
The door did not open.
The rain did not stop.
The darkness made a tent and covered them completely."
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