Slow Man

Hello dear readers,

Today, I bring you another book from the 1,001 Books To Read Before You Die: Slow Man by J. M. Coetzee. Now, if you recall, this is the second book I have read by this author. Honestly, I enjoyed this book more than Disgrace, although both are very good.

Slow Man tells the story of Paul Rayment. Paul is a middle aged man who ends up losing his leg in a biking accident. This loss sends him into a depression, feeling he is useless and no longer a man. Things begin to look up a bit when his home-care nurse, Marijana, appears on the scene. Marijana and Paul get along well and he soon finds himself falling for her. But she is married and has a happy family life, one she is not looking to leave. Paul knows he can't have her but he finds himself wanting to help her and her family in any way he can, including offering to pay for her son's education. Things become even more complicated with the appearance of famed author, Elizabeth Costello, who forces Paul to deal with his feelings not only for Marijana but his feelings about himself as well. 

Unlike Disgrace, where the plot was deep but fairly straightforward, Slow Man is complicated and confusing with a touch of meta-fiction, making the reader think about the interplay between author, literary characters, and the thin separation between the two. This becomes evident when Elizabeth Costello appears and leads Paul to believe he is only a character in her latest book. Up until her arrival, the book is straightforward and presents a great story. But the addition of this interplay adds an entirely new aspect to the book and changes the story all-together.

As before, I loved Coetzee's writing style. It is unique and truly draws the reader in. And I know that is not a great description of it but I can’t really put my finger on what I like about it so much. But it is some of my favorite prose to read. As for the book itself, I found it quite fascinating although hard to understand at times. Paul Rayment is one of those characters that I found myself rooting for without even knowing why. And I loved how Coetzee made Marijana more than just a side character adding to the life story of the protagonist. Rather, she had dimension and background and I found myself caring just as much about her as I did about Paul.

I agree that Slow Man should definitely be on the list of books to read in one’s life simply for the relationship it presents involving author and character. But, aside from that, I liked the story itself and would highly recommend it to others. However, as a word of warning, this is not a quick read and requires some deep thought to truly appreciate the depth of this book.

Next week, I look forward to bringing you yet another wonderful literary adventure. 

Until then...happy reading!