Winner of the 1991 Booker Prize, Disgrace, a novel by J.M. Coetzee, left me with a slight feeling of dissatisfaction. I generally liked it, especially its begginning and end. The novel can be described as somewhat plot-driven although it includes many literary and historical allusions. It started by introducing the protagonist, David Lurie, and his main "problem of sex" which may be considered as a theme or motif of the novel. The begginning thows us directly into the polt, grabbing the reader's attention with an interesting use of the present tense describing David's experience with Soraya, a prostitute. The description and introduction to his life during the first few chapters was rather engrossing. During the middle of the book, when he visited his daugter, Lucy, and stayed at her house, a cessastion in the flow of the story could be observed. The author emphasized certain points and repeated many ideas that caused the novel to lose some of its force. I honestly would describe that part as somewhat boring. Later, the reader's interest is reignited as events start to progress and occur at a faster pace. This is approxiamtely when David goes to Isaac to apologize. I liked the ending of the novel; it provides the reader with a sense of closure, and brings their attention back to intial ideas.I thought the book addressed it's main themes successfully, and touched upon many sensitive issues that are taking place in a post-apatheid South Africa. It explains them in a somewhat discrete yet open, even slightly cynical way. One can truly understand the lives of the characters, especially in relation to one another. Coeztee uses a gripping writing style to keep his readers intersted while portraying many strong messages.
My personal opinion on whether or not Disgrace deserves the international acclaim and the Booker Prize it has recieved cannot be summarized as a simple yes or no, as with all artstic expression, the verdict is subjective. Although, I do believe that this novel is worthy piece of literature, yet it still has not lefted me in a state of awe. I think that there is something that can be described as slightly obscure that I have not yet fully understood. Upon furthur analysis, my opinion may change, deeming it worthy of such an illustrious prize.
In conclusion I would recomend Disgrace, as it is definitly a worth-while read.
1 comment:
i find that the views expressed in your post largely correspond to what i thought about the novel. Specific points in common are the we both enjoyed the begining of the novel however we both sensed the lull in the plot towards the end of the novel. I however didnt find the ending as satisfying as you did but i like how you claim to not be able to answer whether or not he deserves the prizes he has achieved which is a valid point due to the fact it is rich in allusions and meaning.
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