The Pesthouse (original 2007; edition 2008)

A post-apocalyptic novel. It did not engage my attention, and I didn't finish it. ( )

I read the first few chapters and simply couldn't understand the author's vernacular. Therefore, I had a hard time getting into the story and couldn't finish it. To be fair, I give this a 3-star rating (It's OK). It's not a bad story, but it doesn't appear to be exciting either. If you are not use to Crace's unique style of writing you will likely have a difficult time understanding The Pesthouse like I did. ( )

I didn't like this book for several reasons. I think the post-apocalyptic dystopian novel has been done much better (and with nearly identical plot) many times before. The author also kept me at arm's length from the characters, I think because of the formality of his prose. The book seemed mannered, self-conscious, and pedestrian all at once. I found the characters likable enough but not compelling. ( )

For the most part I don’t like giving bad reviews. Sure there are books that deserve it, books that are all the craze and might’ve been written by a middle schooler (Fifty Shades…, I’m looking at you). But then there are books that are “written well” but lack any semblance of plot, character development, conflict, setting, joy, pain, life. I hate to group this sort of book with those I previously mentioned, but the truth is, this “well written book” is as difficult to read as the one that should be packing material.

The Pesthouse lacks everything a novel needs with the exception of well-orchestrated sentences. The story, what little bit of it there is, is told in the most clinical fashion; it was more like reading a psychologist’s report of the incidents than reading a novel. The characters were drab and unbelievable—they wouldn’t survive a day in this post-apocalyptic world. The dialogue was painful—why has the “end of the world” reverted the speech of people to Pioneer-speak? In short, I recognize that Jim Crace can write a sentence, but that doesn’t keep The Pesthouse from being extremely boring.

The best thing about this book is the cover of the hardback edition. I love this cover. Love it. It’s simple, but so elegant. The texture of the cover is unique, a very dull, old-fashioned paper with raised glossy print. The typeface is clear, demanding but not overpowering. The black and white imagery stands out in its simplicity. It is a wonderful book to hold and to gaze at; unfortunately, I wish I would’ve left it on my shelf unread, because despite its beauty, I now know of the great dissatisfaction that resides between its handsome covers.

Beautiful Cover Intriguing Synopsis ≠ Guaranteed Enjoyable Read ( )

I liked the writing just fine but I thought the plot was such a stereotypical post-apocalyptic novel that it left me with no special feelings. ( )