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A review by bibliovino
Raise the Titanic! by Clive Cussler
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.5
Ooph-that was a painful trip down memory lane. I had read a few of the Dirk Pitt adventures several years ago and remembered enjoying them somewhat. So when I needed a book written in the year I was born, I grabbed this one, thinking if it was made into a movie, it must be pretty good.
Oh no, my friends. It was not.
While most of the major plot points were interesting and exciting, the rabbit-out-of-a-hat delivery became tiring very quickly. It probably shouldn’t have surprised me how often this “Voila!” method of story telling was employed considering how little the main character was actually on the narrative stage. Dirk Pitt barely shows up until 60% of the book is done.
The backstory aspects of the plot were really intriguing, but while I enjoyed them, we also don’t really get down to the Titanic’s involvement until about a third of the way through. Between subplots and side characters, this is barely a story about the ship at all.
The worst part of this experience was the blatant and mind-bogglingly disgusting misogyny that coats every hint of female involvement in the story. I have no problem with Pitt being a ladies man with a love ‘em and leave ‘em outlook, but this was so much worse. The fact that the self hating, constantly mansplained and dehumanized female lead was one of the better drawn characters here is appalling, but a clear demonstration of the juvenile rendering of every single person we meet.
I thought I might watch the movie after reading, but I think I’ve had enough.
Oh no, my friends. It was not.
While most of the major plot points were interesting and exciting, the rabbit-out-of-a-hat delivery became tiring very quickly. It probably shouldn’t have surprised me how often this “Voila!” method of story telling was employed considering how little the main character was actually on the narrative stage. Dirk Pitt barely shows up until 60% of the book is done.
The backstory aspects of the plot were really intriguing, but while I enjoyed them, we also don’t really get down to the Titanic’s involvement until about a third of the way through. Between subplots and side characters, this is barely a story about the ship at all.
The worst part of this experience was the blatant and mind-bogglingly disgusting misogyny that coats every hint of female involvement in the story. I have no problem with Pitt being a ladies man with a love ‘em and leave ‘em outlook, but this was so much worse. The fact that the self hating, constantly mansplained and dehumanized female lead was one of the better drawn characters here is appalling, but a clear demonstration of the juvenile rendering of every single person we meet.
I thought I might watch the movie after reading, but I think I’ve had enough.