Categories
2009

Far North – Marcel Theroux

Paperchase was one of my favourite reads of 2008 and so I have been on the library waiting list for Marcel Theroux’s latest book from the moment I discovered it had been printed.

Far North is set in the near future, in a post-apocalyptic world. The central character, Makepeace, lives in a dying town in Siberia. Struggling against the cold and isolation she fights for survival, but without law and order she lives in constant fear.

I loved the way in which the world we live now was discussed. Stories of flags on the moon and cities of glass were passed around like unbelievable fairy tales. The people left fighting for survival struggled to imagine a world of luxury and plenty. This book gave a strong reminder to be grateful for everything we have now and how easily it could all be taken away.

I told him that from what I had observed, it only took three days before desperation and hunger overturned all civilized instinct in a person. He smiled and said I had a bleak view of human nature, and that in his experience, it was nearer to four days. 

Marcel Theroux is an amazing story teller; all the characters were strong, believable individuals and the plot was compelling. Unfortunately, the book was quite depressing throughout; any hope seemed to be squashed as soon as it appeared. It wasn’t a tear-jerker – just a depressing view of a possible future for the human race.

Recommended for the thought-provoking story, but don’t read it if you are feeling a bit down.

stars4

27 replies on “Far North – Marcel Theroux”

I wish I had the book here so I could check that the quote again – I think I copied it exactly though.

Oo, I want! I am getting more and more fond of dystopian fiction these days, and I like the excerpt you quoted a lot! I love it when the real world (I mean, our world) is in the characters’ recent memory – because it would be so easy for everything to change.

Reminds me of The Road, not that I have read it but still. Seems a very depressing book though like you mentioned. I did not read past 15 pages of The Road because I found it too depressing.

I haven’t read The Road so I’m afraid I can’t compare them, but I think this is a bit different. This probably has a more interesting plot, and is a bit less dark, but I am just guessing. I plan to read The Road soon so I’ll let you know!

I love discovering new books I wouldn’t normally pick up – one of the best things about blogging!

I’m pleased to hear you are enjoying my blog. Thank you for commenting for the first time! Your blog looks great – I look forward to investigating it a bit more when I get back from my holiday.

I’m beginning to wish I’d read The Road first! It would have been interesting to compare the two – hopefully I’ll get round to it soon.

You had me at post-apocalyptic 😛

Also! You’ve been nominated for a BBAW award, but we couldn’t find your e-mail address to notify you. Could you e-mail mypalamyATgmailDOTcom for the details? Thanks, and congratulations! 😀

How exciting! I’ve left a comment on your blog with my email address, but I’m afraid I won’t have access to it until Monday. I hope this is OK and look forward to finding out the details.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *