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A review by slim
The Course of Love by Alain de Botton
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
The author employs a pleasant and enjoyable writing style that is well-paced, clear and easy to understand. The book maintains an appropriate length for the story being told. However, there are instances where characters engage in unnatural dialogue, occasionally veering into monologues that reflect the author's "philosophical voice" rather than the character's authentic expression. Moreover, the overall structure of the book can be categorised into two distinct aspects: the fictional narrative and the italicised author's thoughts. While these italicised segments offer the author's opinions on the fictional story, they sometimes disrupt the flow of the narrative and appear contrived.
The blend of fiction and non-fiction in The Course of Love is intriguing, and when successful, effectively conveys the author's argument. Unfortunately, the fictional aspect can be rather dull. While the characters are mostly believable, with the exception of moments of monologuing, their portrayal greatly accentuates their flaws. Whilst acknowledging that people can indeed have negative aspects, the novel tends to overemphasise these flaws, dwelling excessively on the negative aspects of their lives. It is apparent that this is the author's intention in advocating for an "anti-Romantic" worldview, but the narrative goes too far in this direction, sapping all joy from the world.
Ultimately, if you have watched any School of Life videos on this topic before, this novel does not say anything new; nor does the fiction/non-fiction hybrid justify its existence.
The novel's central thesis is thus: Life is challenging, and we should give up romantic ideals; not because it will make us happier, but because it makes this disappointing world "good enough". However, in this pursuit, the novel over-emphasises this aspect of life, portraying a pretty miserable existence. There's very little depiction of the happy moments in life from this anti-Romantic lens, with the one or two exceptions where the main characters enjoy a fancy hotel dinner or a family photograph. Even here, though, this joy lasts merely the evening at most. In fact, I would almost be willing to argue that de Botton's anti-Romanticism romanticises misery. I would have liked to seen the novel explore a more positive, happy rendition of what an anti-Romantic worldview looks like. In its current rendition, it seems pretty depressing.
P.S. The author kind of justifies infidelity and lying about it, because that is the more correct representation of the character's love for his partner, rather than telling the truth and destroying the marriage.
———
Writing: 4/5, story: 2/5, and impact: 2/5.
The blend of fiction and non-fiction in The Course of Love is intriguing, and when successful, effectively conveys the author's argument. Unfortunately, the fictional aspect can be rather dull. While the characters are mostly believable, with the exception of moments of monologuing, their portrayal greatly accentuates their flaws. Whilst acknowledging that people can indeed have negative aspects, the novel tends to overemphasise these flaws, dwelling excessively on the negative aspects of their lives. It is apparent that this is the author's intention in advocating for an "anti-Romantic" worldview, but the narrative goes too far in this direction, sapping all joy from the world.
Ultimately, if you have watched any School of Life videos on this topic before, this novel does not say anything new; nor does the fiction/non-fiction hybrid justify its existence.
The novel's central thesis is thus: Life is challenging, and we should give up romantic ideals; not because it will make us happier, but because it makes this disappointing world "good enough". However, in this pursuit, the novel over-emphasises this aspect of life, portraying a pretty miserable existence. There's very little depiction of the happy moments in life from this anti-Romantic lens, with the one or two exceptions where the main characters enjoy a fancy hotel dinner or a family photograph. Even here, though, this joy lasts merely the evening at most. In fact, I would almost be willing to argue that de Botton's anti-Romanticism romanticises misery. I would have liked to seen the novel explore a more positive, happy rendition of what an anti-Romantic worldview looks like. In its current rendition, it seems pretty depressing.
P.S. The author kind of justifies infidelity and lying about it, because that is the more correct representation of the character's love for his partner, rather than telling the truth and destroying the marriage.
———
Writing: 4/5, story: 2/5, and impact: 2/5.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity
Moderate: Toxic relationship
Minor: Cancer and War