A review by readingwithcarla
The Slap by Christos Tsiolkas
challenging
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I'll be honest; I would have never thought to pick up this book. Even if I had just picked this book up and glanced at the blurb, I still don't believe I would have been sold. Making The Slap's case even worse: I had to read the first chapter for a unit at University, and school is what usually drains any entertainment value from literally any piece of media. But as soon as I read the first chapter, I was entranced by this horrid depiction of Australian life.
Tsiolkas' writing is raw, brutal, yet honest. He isn't afraid to put a magnifying glass up to shit, and describe what is so horrid about that shit. Never would I have wanted to read about middle-aged men, uncomfortable with their own lives, who are arrogant and self-centred. But it was so wildly intriguing. Even when I would reach a chapter where I would immediately think that it would be one I would have to drag myself through, Tsiolkas somehow made these lives interesting.
I believe what it all came down to was identity. How these people all formed different views about how the world worked due to their upbringing and the influences around them. And I slowly started to fall into their same patterns of thinking as I read. I think Tsiolkas is a genius for this.
Moreover, the overall structure of the novel is masterful. How the slap itself, is very much background noise, but causes a ripple effect through everyone's lives. I am so glad I continued with this novel, a snapshot of the ugliness that grows in Melbourne, even reflecting its relevance today.
Tsiolkas' writing is raw, brutal, yet honest. He isn't afraid to put a magnifying glass up to shit, and describe what is so horrid about that shit. Never would I have wanted to read about middle-aged men, uncomfortable with their own lives, who are arrogant and self-centred. But it was so wildly intriguing. Even when I would reach a chapter where I would immediately think that it would be one I would have to drag myself through, Tsiolkas somehow made these lives interesting.
I believe what it all came down to was identity. How these people all formed different views about how the world worked due to their upbringing and the influences around them. And I slowly started to fall into their same patterns of thinking as I read. I think Tsiolkas is a genius for this.
Moreover, the overall structure of the novel is masterful. How the slap itself, is very much background noise, but causes a ripple effect through everyone's lives. I am so glad I continued with this novel, a snapshot of the ugliness that grows in Melbourne, even reflecting its relevance today.