I havent read McCarthy before, just seen his work adapted for screen, and through two chapters, I’m certainly impressed with how rich his prose is, the economy of the storytelling, and McCarthy’s word choice for the most part, but…
SPOILER?
Damn, the amount of times the n-word gets tossed around is sort of astounding, and doesnt really seem character driven so much as McCarthy imposing his perceived sense of the time period, and for the shock value? Maybe it’s a well-trodden topic on this book, I havent done my research, but I wonder if what flew in 1985 for a ‘beloved white novelist’ wouldnt fly today? I personally couldnt rationalize the decision to use the word outside of dialogue here and there, and even then, I would do anything in my power to not use that word. Just my two cents, but it’s pulled me out of the story a bunch so thought I’d bring it up. Other than that, I’m enjoying this book quite a bit, in spite of my somewhat massive qualms, the writing is undeniably top tier.