My Thoughts on "The Road"

Is it possible for a book to be horrifying and disturbing, but at the same time beautiful and poetic? Before starting The Road, I would have answered that question with a definite "No!" Now, I am unsure of my previous answer.

There are points in the book that make me want to put it down and never pick it up again. For example, the book contains multiple passages that describe, in gruesome detail, the frailty of the boy. The imagery is so vivid, almost too vivid. I can picture a little boy covered in filth and so skinny his bones almost come through his skin; the thought sickens and disturbs me. 

However, there are others points in The Road that contain the most beautiful and raw emotions in human existence. The love that the father has for his child is ceaseless and impenetrable. He would do absolutely anything for the child. Even through their perilous journey, the father finds toys for the son, plays card games with him, and gives him whatever sweets he manages to come upon.

Cormac McCarthy intertwines the grotesque and angelic scenes seamlessly. It is for this reason I find that in the end I cannot put the book down. Both the good and bad parts of the book keep me thoroughly interested. I hope the rest of the book is as intriguing as what I have already read!