Elizabeth Costello (original 2003; edition 2003)

A series of topics presented in the form of reminiscences and musings of Coetzee’s fictional writer of fiction, Elizabeth Costello. I was particularly struck by The Lives of Animals and The Problem of Evil. This is the kind of fiction that is far more than entertainment. ( )

Phenomenal writing. An exploration of meaning in life through various philosophies and belief systems presented as a series of events in the life of fictional writer Elizabeth Costello. The text feels very autobiographical at times. Each chapter gives insight into a way of thinking that combines philosophy and religious belief. ( )

I didn't like this book at all when I first read it, but it grew on me. ( )

My first Coetzee - I enjoyed it. I had Lindsay Stern's 'The Study of Animal Languages' in my hand to read, but the acknowledgments mention the book was inspired by 'Elizabeth Costello' so I had to run to read it first. 'Elizabeth Costello' had been on my very...very... very huge TBR "pile" anyway. The format is interesting - many formal addresses mostly given by Elizabeth Costello and then sometimes dinner party settings for discussions of those speeches. I feel like this book had much nuance that I probably wasn't catching, so it is tough for me to talk about this book. It's definitely a better book to read in one sitting, though I can never do that. I did like it very much though. ( )

hard to rate. I love the lives of animals part. I liked the last two sections as well. 3.5/5? ( )