Looking at the title “The Road”, I wasn’t really expecting much. It was a very vague title not really evoking any emotion in me. I guess I was just expecting some boring exploring book along a road. However, McCarthy, a new author for me, took me on a journey like no other. His descriptions were vivid and put me along that road. I was picturing myself huddled by the fire, picking up sticks, running from the bad guys, and sleeping under a tarp. It was all made so real that it was almost scary. This style of writing was definitely unique, but still at a high level of composition. Definitely a more exciting novel in my opinion than some other AP English novels, but still had depth. I found myself looking on every page for similes, metaphors and motifs. I was actually thinking like someone who cared more than the plot. Given that there was not much of a plot present, this book taught me to look past just the words on the page and what the author is really trying to say. I was definitely not perfect at picking out each subtle allusion but my mind was opened to the complex world in between the lines. I could tell that death wanted to be highlighted as well as the struggle for survival and the repetitiveness of it all. It was these greater topics that made the novel enjoyable.
This was also an eye opener for a futuristic society. What if this really had happened, would I be able to cope with all of the death surrounding me? I don’t know, but after reading The Road I would have struggles. However, if I had someone like Papa around with me, we would work together and survive together. Human connection is vital for everybody and that is a main theme in the novel I might not have touched on a ton. Despite the novel lacking a solid plot, the character development was still present. I enjoyed their basic conversations; it made it more real for me in their situation.
Overall a very enjoyable book for me, especially because of the survival and some action scenes. I seemed to understand most of what was going on and could picture it well with help of McCarthy’s descriptions. I kind of enjoyed the lack of plot and excess of similes and metaphors because it was new for me. Although some of the seemed forced, I could picture and relate much easier to the novel. We’ll have to see if this post-apocalyptic world comes true and McCarthy’s road walked again.
