Cormac McCarthy – The Road

With the recent release of the film of the 2006 Cormac McCarthy novel, I find it appropriate to review the original source material. The novel is experimental in its manner and is set in the not too distant apocalyptic future. The world is severely damaged by pollution. The land is devoid of plant growth and the sun is obscured by a layer of ash but at the centre of the novel is the story of an unnamed father and son journeying across America. They are forced to contest with cannibals tribes of people and other dangers in a resource depleted, barren world. The father and son embark in there journey to find ‘good people’.

Whilst there are elements of a thriller, the novel’s primary focus is the relationship between the father and son. Maccarthy dedicated the book to his own son and this is evident in the text, the book emphasizing the relationship between the two characters at every point. This is especially powerful and moving with their friendship and desperation to survive being the emotional centre of the novel. But the book crucially never spares us the horrors they must endure in their journey and there are many accounts of terrific suspense and horror, which makes the book very gripping.

Furthermore, accounts of horror within the book are manifested everywhere. The apocalyptic imagery of the novel functions as a warning towards the context of global warming. It also highlights that man can be prone to deep acts of depravity despite a hopeful attitude within the father and son dynamic of the book. As well as containing a thrilling story on the surface, The Road is also a warning towards and extrapolation of current issues of climate change.

What may put readers off is the episodic nature of the book. Many chapters are spent on the relationship between father and son, the long journey for these characters and themes concerned with life and death and family. The book lacks a fast pace but this isn’t necessarily a flaw. The slow pace gives a sense of a perfect marriage between writing style and subject matter, the novel being a meditation on the end of the life. It is these kinds of elements which may repel readers from the books’ narrative style.

Overall, The Road is a terrific book which is definitely worth reading. A deep, involving and dark story, it is a great hope of mine that the film can do it justice.

One Response to “Cormac McCarthy – The Road”

1. Anon says:

   March 30, 2010 at 6:42 am

   Nice article! I would be very happy, If I could write like this. The more I see articles of such quality as this (which is not common), the more I think the web has a great future. Keep ‘em coming. Thanks