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McCarthy evidences an attention to detail here that is regrettably absent in some of his later work, and the result is often mesmerizing. The incessant violence read like a prurient affectation, rather than a meaningful contribution to either form or function. There is a deliberately epic and unabashedly biblical quality to the prose; fortunately the writing is both expansive and comprehensive enough to actually make such conceits seem reasonable.This isn't a book for everyone. He not only reveals the novel's ending in exacting detail (even going so far as to quote the epilogue and provide his own critical take on what the ending means in relation to the whole novel), but he also maps an entire symbology onto the characters which completely prejudices the reader and makes a fair and open-minded reading of the text nearly impossible.As for the novel itself, I found that it grew on me quite unexpectedly. Oh, and the introduction is simply unforgivable. As I got deeper into the novel, however, the raw power of the writing itself began to demand a kind of begrudging respect.
The gore is relentless and normative conventions of plot and character are clearly subservient to McCarthy's desire to create a parable out of mood and style. The Modern Library edition of "Blood Meridian" contains an introduction by Harold Bloom that is a monument of literary excrement; it is easily the worst, most pernicious and irresponsible introduction I've ever read. My initial impression was that it was a spiritually hollow and desiccated mess with an aesthetic sensibility better suited to a cheap graphic novel. The story is essentially historical fiction, based largely on the doings of the Glanton gang and their bloody work as mercenary scalpers of native Americans in the mid-19th century.
The plot is the craft. It would take a ten hour film to complete the novel's film version. Incredible craft and how the author managed to sustain the blood and violence and yet move the story toward a conclusion was amazing. However, there is talk Fields is going to attempt a film version and I doubt he will be able to stay close to the plot since there is so much going on. Read for the craft and language.
Really enjoyed this one, though I have to feel a little guilty for saying so. The scenery itself is like another of the characters, and all characters are harsh, brutal, and real.The pace of the narration does not drag, and though you try not to flinch at the descriptions of horror and blood, flinch you do, and then you can't resist turning the page to see what happens next.Well done.
Very dark and savage view of mankind and the early wars/slaughter of the American Indian.
I much preferred "Lonesome Dove" by McMurtry. As for the "horrors" -- which pop up nearly constantly -- they did not engage my simpathies whatsoever. The description of Washington's survival in the massacre of Braddock's army is very moving and make's one realize that this man was indeed protected by God for a divine purpose. I have read several of McCarthy's books and they're all the same --- just unrelenting nihilism. I think Harold Bloom is full of a well known substance in his praise of this book. I will tell you this: If one wants to see the truth about America in all it's nobility and it's horrors, please read Allan Eckert's terrific series of books that were taken from real historical documents that have survived to this day.
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