The prologue in my copy of "Morel" described this as an attempt at an adventure story -- I thought it fit in other categories, too. What kind of story did you think it was? Also, what were your overall impressions? Did you like it?
It seems like high-end science fiction to me. Also kind of in the Surrealist tradition.
I was never a fan of sci-fi because, to be honest, I'm too dumb to follow most sci-fi plots. I am the same way with sci-fi movies. I usually don't get them. But if the reading experience has something more to offer, like this one did, with its lovely, poetic language, I am less bothered by not grasping exactly what's going on.
I liked it! I thought of it as part sci-fi, part mystery. I'm also not generally a fan of sci-fi, but this was really interesting, really different from anything else I've encountered. I found the story really satisfying. I can see why Jorge Luis Borges said in the prologue that the plot was perfect.
Oh, I'm glad you guys liked it. I'm with KC -- I don't want to follow a sci-fi plot. And there were parts (the logic with the blue walls and when they can be opened) that I'm thinking, aaagh, OK, you have captured my gullibility! Go on!
I thought it had some romantic notes and, as Ben noted, it worked as a character sketch. I love a story with an unreliable narrator!
I think it's science fiction. I think it is also adventure, like a lot of sci-fi.
ReplyDeleteIt might also be an extended character sketch, since we really only know anything about one character.
I did like it, although I found it difficult to follow at times.
It seems like high-end science fiction to me. Also kind of in the Surrealist tradition.
ReplyDeleteI was never a fan of sci-fi because, to be honest, I'm too dumb to follow most sci-fi plots. I am the same way with sci-fi movies. I usually don't get them. But if the reading experience has something more to offer, like this one did, with its lovely, poetic language, I am less bothered by not grasping exactly what's going on.
Makes me want to read "The Island of Dr. Moreau."
I liked it! I thought of it as part sci-fi, part mystery. I'm also not generally a fan of sci-fi, but this was really interesting, really different from anything else I've encountered. I found the story really satisfying. I can see why Jorge Luis Borges said in the prologue that the plot was perfect.
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm glad you guys liked it. I'm with KC -- I don't want to follow a sci-fi plot. And there were parts (the logic with the blue walls and when they can be opened) that I'm thinking, aaagh, OK, you have captured my gullibility! Go on!
ReplyDeleteI thought it had some romantic notes and, as Ben noted, it worked as a character sketch. I love a story with an unreliable narrator!