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A review by bub_9
All That Man Is by David Szalay
4.0
This actually reads a bit more like a short story collection than a novel. But unlike some of the short story collections I have read, the thematic connections are so obvious that makes for a coherent, enjoyable reading experience. There are also one or two explicit links dropped in - fun to discover.
Each story traces some male character, typically traveling somewhere in Europe, and the stories trace a range of ages as well. I would disagree with an assumption that the title sets out the author's ambition to encompass the entirety of modern masculinity (or at least would hope that this was not the author's intent); rather, there are several allusions in the stories made to the idea that it's more a question - All That Man Is? I think my meaning will be clear if you read the book!
Anyway, the thing is the writing, and the writing is splendid. Each character is delicately constructed and distinctive, and we follow their journeys with intrigue and relish. A fun read for anyone perhaps feeling a little wanderlust.
Each story traces some male character, typically traveling somewhere in Europe, and the stories trace a range of ages as well. I would disagree with an assumption that the title sets out the author's ambition to encompass the entirety of modern masculinity (or at least would hope that this was not the author's intent); rather, there are several allusions in the stories made to the idea that it's more a question - All That Man Is? I think my meaning will be clear if you read the book!
Anyway, the thing is the writing, and the writing is splendid. Each character is delicately constructed and distinctive, and we follow their journeys with intrigue and relish. A fun read for anyone perhaps feeling a little wanderlust.