Doogyjim's review of We Are Now Beginning Our Descent
We Are Now Beginning Our Descent by James Meek
I was eagerly looking forward to this as I'd enjoyed The People's Act of Love, mainly for the gripping originality and strength of its story but this new novel came as a disappointment.
Evidently based on Meek's experiences in Afghanistan, it seems flawless in its detailing of place and atmosphere and there's a terrific dinner party sequence where Kellas, the protagonist breaks down nd lets rip at its smug guests. But the narrative, ultimately a rather unconvincing love story, is a bit thin and it didn't help that his characters were so unsympathetic. I felt the prose was a bit heavy too, consciously striving to be profound - I guess I prefer it when the most serious subjects are handled with a light touch.
I can't decide whether it's a brave book (and I just didn't get it) or a bad one.
Evidently based on Meek's experiences in Afghanistan, it seems flawless in its detailing of place and atmosphere and there's a terrific dinner party sequence where Kellas, the protagonist breaks down nd lets rip at its smug guests. But the narrative, ultimately a rather unconvincing love story, is a bit thin and it didn't help that his characters were so unsympathetic. I felt the prose was a bit heavy too, consciously striving to be profound - I guess I prefer it when the most serious subjects are handled with a light touch.
I can't decide whether it's a brave book (and I just didn't get it) or a bad one.
comments
No comments have been added yet.
