Matthew, Great essay perfect choice of quotes. I’ve often had an easier time reading McCarthy than some other novels like Kristin Lavransdatter, Anna Karenina, Pachinko, and the Elena Ferrante books—I’ve thought it was interesting that I treated McCarthy as a “palate cleanser” for these novels full of complex female emotions. It seems that McCarthy’s novels are characterized by overwhelming masculine energy and the concerns of men. I don’t mean this in a negative way, but in a sense of answering the question: “What does it mean to be a man in this world?” Of all the novels I think I dwell on The Road the most.
Zina, your description of his work is apt. His writing is sparse and intense; almost feral. The Road is brilliant. For me, his style of writing is easier to read than some other writers. However, as a man, he forces me to face some primal questions within and so the reading become reflective. I loved Kristin Lavransdatter and Pachinko. Couldn't stomach Anna Karenina but loved War and Peace so it wasn't a Tolstoy thing. Haven't read the Ferrante books yet although they are on my short list.
Thank you, this was so interesting. McCarthy is one of my favourite novelists. I still have nightmares about The Road. And such a great phrase - 'Southern Gothic'. Hmmm, maybe I could be 'Somerset Gothic'?!
I regret to say I haven’t read any of McCarthy’s novels. Your piece is so interesting. I feel I would probably not be drawn to his writing, but maybe I should attempt one of his books.
Maureen, there are so many great books and we can't read them all. McCarthy's style might not be your cup of tea, I am not sure. But my hope is to at least expose people to the style and then they can decide if they want to explore it further. He is a fascinating writer but the style is very dark. Maybe pick one up from the library or something and try a chapter or two. If it isn't your taste, then move on to the next thing! I do that frequently with new authors. Kind of like sampling a buffet!
Oh, Matthew! This is such a great essay on one of the most elusive writers I've had the pleasure of reading. He is so complicated and the concepts hard to grasp between the density of his words, but somehow, if you try really hard, you feel them more than understand them, if that makes sense? Also, I'm going to throw you under the bus when my husband asks why I'm on my fourth hour of "Ben's Hardcore Literature."
Excellent overview, Matthew of Cormac McCarthy. The Road, Blood Meridian, No Country for Old Men ring like powerful memories for me. Did you know that when he died, Dan Sinkyin published in The New York Times this essay explaining why McCarthy would not be published today. Here's the link: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/19/opinion/cormac-mccarthy-publishing.html
I enjoyed this article and appreciated the great quotes in here. Having only recently 'discovered' Cormac McCarthy, I read his masterpiece The Road and loved it. I don't mean to say I enjoyed it, because it was graphic and sometimes hard to read, but it was gripping and intense. And the beauty of the relationship between father and son - that's what stands out for me. This father protecting his son and preparing him for the time he knew he would no longer be with him. Beautiful, hopeful, inspiring. I haven't read anything else by Cormac McCarthy. Can you recommend anything else of his for someone who's a fan of The Road?
Melisa, I am glad you enjoyed the article. I appreciate you taking the time to read, comment, and explore McCarthy's work further. If you enjoyed The Road, the work in the most similar style would likely be Blood Meridian. Both novels share McCarthy’s signature sparse prose and brutal landscapes. However, the violence in Blood Meridian is much more graphic. If you are looking to avoid violence I would recommend All The Pretty Horses which is the first book of the Border Trilogy.
Thank you for this comprehensive overview, Matthew. I remember when I came across McCarthy's non fiction in a journal (I forget which one), I was very impressed by his style and keen intelligence. However, I find it increasingly hard to read portrayals of violence and I've been put off his fiction by the prospect of coming across too many such scenes. What what you say, perhaps the The Road, for all its bleakness, might be the novel I should try?
Jeffrey, thanks for the kind words. McCarthy was an interesting figure. He spent a lot of time around scientists and other big thinkers rather than other literary types like himself. He enjoyed discussing ideas with a wide variety of people. Avoiding violence in his work is tough, however, in The Road, much of the violence is implied rather than graphically portrayed. You are aware of the setting but the focus is on the father and son so you don't get graphic portrayals of violence like in many of his other works. All The Pretty Horses is also a good option to consider.
Matthew, Great essay perfect choice of quotes. I’ve often had an easier time reading McCarthy than some other novels like Kristin Lavransdatter, Anna Karenina, Pachinko, and the Elena Ferrante books—I’ve thought it was interesting that I treated McCarthy as a “palate cleanser” for these novels full of complex female emotions. It seems that McCarthy’s novels are characterized by overwhelming masculine energy and the concerns of men. I don’t mean this in a negative way, but in a sense of answering the question: “What does it mean to be a man in this world?” Of all the novels I think I dwell on The Road the most.
Zina, your description of his work is apt. His writing is sparse and intense; almost feral. The Road is brilliant. For me, his style of writing is easier to read than some other writers. However, as a man, he forces me to face some primal questions within and so the reading become reflective. I loved Kristin Lavransdatter and Pachinko. Couldn't stomach Anna Karenina but loved War and Peace so it wasn't a Tolstoy thing. Haven't read the Ferrante books yet although they are on my short list.
Matthew. I get so much out of your profiles of authors. Your writing is thoughtful and entertaining. Thank you
Susan, thanks for the kind words. I am glad you enjoy these essays.
Thank you, this was so interesting. McCarthy is one of my favourite novelists. I still have nightmares about The Road. And such a great phrase - 'Southern Gothic'. Hmmm, maybe I could be 'Somerset Gothic'?!
Glad you enjoyed this piece. I thought that 'Southern Gothic' was an interesting and apt description of his early writing.
I regret to say I haven’t read any of McCarthy’s novels. Your piece is so interesting. I feel I would probably not be drawn to his writing, but maybe I should attempt one of his books.
Maureen, there are so many great books and we can't read them all. McCarthy's style might not be your cup of tea, I am not sure. But my hope is to at least expose people to the style and then they can decide if they want to explore it further. He is a fascinating writer but the style is very dark. Maybe pick one up from the library or something and try a chapter or two. If it isn't your taste, then move on to the next thing! I do that frequently with new authors. Kind of like sampling a buffet!
Oh, Matthew! This is such a great essay on one of the most elusive writers I've had the pleasure of reading. He is so complicated and the concepts hard to grasp between the density of his words, but somehow, if you try really hard, you feel them more than understand them, if that makes sense? Also, I'm going to throw you under the bus when my husband asks why I'm on my fourth hour of "Ben's Hardcore Literature."
Jade, I completely understand what you mean. His writing is felt on a really primal level.
My apologies to your husband but Ben's videos are addictive!
Thank you Matthew - this writing inspired me.
Tom, glad you enjoyed it.
Interesting article. Thanks for sharing, Matthew :)
You are welcome, thanks for reading.
Excellent overview, Matthew of Cormac McCarthy. The Road, Blood Meridian, No Country for Old Men ring like powerful memories for me. Did you know that when he died, Dan Sinkyin published in The New York Times this essay explaining why McCarthy would not be published today. Here's the link: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/19/opinion/cormac-mccarthy-publishing.html
Mary, thanks for your generous comments. I wasn't aware of that article so thank you for sharing it with me. I will give it a read.
I enjoyed this article and appreciated the great quotes in here. Having only recently 'discovered' Cormac McCarthy, I read his masterpiece The Road and loved it. I don't mean to say I enjoyed it, because it was graphic and sometimes hard to read, but it was gripping and intense. And the beauty of the relationship between father and son - that's what stands out for me. This father protecting his son and preparing him for the time he knew he would no longer be with him. Beautiful, hopeful, inspiring. I haven't read anything else by Cormac McCarthy. Can you recommend anything else of his for someone who's a fan of The Road?
Melisa, I am glad you enjoyed the article. I appreciate you taking the time to read, comment, and explore McCarthy's work further. If you enjoyed The Road, the work in the most similar style would likely be Blood Meridian. Both novels share McCarthy’s signature sparse prose and brutal landscapes. However, the violence in Blood Meridian is much more graphic. If you are looking to avoid violence I would recommend All The Pretty Horses which is the first book of the Border Trilogy.
Thank you for this comprehensive overview, Matthew. I remember when I came across McCarthy's non fiction in a journal (I forget which one), I was very impressed by his style and keen intelligence. However, I find it increasingly hard to read portrayals of violence and I've been put off his fiction by the prospect of coming across too many such scenes. What what you say, perhaps the The Road, for all its bleakness, might be the novel I should try?
Jeffrey, thanks for the kind words. McCarthy was an interesting figure. He spent a lot of time around scientists and other big thinkers rather than other literary types like himself. He enjoyed discussing ideas with a wide variety of people. Avoiding violence in his work is tough, however, in The Road, much of the violence is implied rather than graphically portrayed. You are aware of the setting but the focus is on the father and son so you don't get graphic portrayals of violence like in many of his other works. All The Pretty Horses is also a good option to consider.
Thank you, Matthew. That's really helpful.
Blood Meridian, the prodigal son of Moby Dick and The Inferno. The most lyrical account of bloodshed ever written