More Than This

A very uncertain 3.5 stars. I need to review this book to get some thoughts down on paper so to speak.

Firstly, I think the ambitious topic, feelings, themes and philosophical ideas this book attempts to explore are handled very well.

Secondly, it took me several months to finish this book (with many books read in between the start and end date). This is unheard of for me, especially for a book which I can say I liked, at the very least. I will finish a book in 3-7 days, no more, unless I don't like it, in which case I will try to revisit it, but will probably not finish the book. I finished the last 40% off in one sitting this afternoon, but it took me many many attempts to get up to that point.

I was promised thoughtful brilliance, but instead was given a plodding plot that didn't know what it was, or what it wanted. And I stand by that statement, at the conclusion of my reading, even if I am better of for the reading of the book, even if something was imparted to me. My reaction to the book is still a big “hmm..okay”; because the book throws the ideas it explores in your face, then tries its best to arrange the puzzle in the course of 648 pages, leaves you with a general impression of what the puzzle depicts, and leaves in rages after it seemingly has used up all the pieces available. And I suppose that message, of confusion and something more, cryptic as it is, is the final message this book tries to leave. But are 648 pages really need to tell that? A 150 pages novella could achieve what this book has achieved.

Back to the quantifiable things I guess. Ness has a enthralling writing style that keeps you wanting more, even if you never get it. Tomasz and Regine are wonderful, and the book is clever and frustrating in all the best ways. The plot is layered beautifully, never complex for the sake of complexity, and always delivering something in the side plots ideas it explores. I never reached the same existential acceptance that others achieved over the course of this book. And that is okay.

So, if this review has confused you, go read the book. Its great, even if you don't really know why.