The Road

Cormac McCarthy

One of the most emotionally difficult books I have ever read., but after saying that, it is in my opinion one of the finest works of fiction I have ever read. One reviewer likened The Road to Waiting for Godot without the humor.

This is a story of an unnamed father and son trying to survive post apocalyptic America, where society no longer exists and the weak are preyed upon by the strong. There are no names; no past... all there is, is the present moment and survival.

When the man’s son asks his father what is the hardest thing he has ever done, his response is the only true one ...”waking up this morning.”

I tried to think of another book that left me with such a powerful after effect and I could only think of maybe one other.

This book is filled with much darkness and hopelessness but in the end with such a deep spiritual love and bond between a father and son that it borders on heartbreak. McCarthy has to be one of the greatest living fiction writers. This book is not for everyone, but for those who are up to the journey , you will end The Road with emotions few works of fiction can equal. Even now, with the passage of time, I still become emotional when I think about this work of art. If you are deeply impressionable, this book may not be for you. Otherwise this is a novel any lover of fiction should not pass up.

This novel can be summed up in one word-- Beautiful.

Review by Tony Kainauskas