Review of In Search of Achilles
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Robin_Robin
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Review of In Search of Achilles
[Following is a volunteer review of "In Search of Achilles" by Marco van den Berg Scholten.]
In Search of Achilles by Marco Van Den Berg Scholten is a novel set against the backdrop of the pivotal summer of 1990, following the fall of the Berlin Wall and the perceived triumph of capitalism over communism.
As the story begins, we encounter Johan Van Geesteren, a literature student, writer, and young aristocrat who feels disillusioned by the rapid changes and the postmodernist ideologies taught by his professors. His journey begins when he returns to his hometown to get the opinion of his best friend, Achilles, on the stories and poems he has just written.
As the story unfolds, Johan discovers that things are not how they used to be; his best friend seems different. Achilles has given up on their literary dreams, and his moral compass seems to have shifted. And it’s not just Achilles whose ideologies have changed; Johan finds himself amidst a society euphoric with the victory of capitalism yet struggling with its moral and ethical implications. He must now rely on his disciplined upbringing to stay true to his ideals and find any remaining truth in this rapidly changing world.
I loved this book. Marco Van Den Berg Scholten has created a thought-provoking read that delves into the complexities of modernity and the perennial quest for meaning in an ever-changing world.
One aspect that particularly stood out to me was the novel's exploration of the contrast between personal aspirations and societal expectations. Johan's struggle to reconcile his literary ambitions with the pragmatic demands of a capitalist society mirrors the broader conflict faced by many during this transformative period. The novel skillfully intertwines individual narratives with historical events, providing a nuanced perspective on the impact of global changes on personal lives. This interplay between the personal and the political adds depth to the story, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in the human dimension of historical transitions. I also loved how the author portrayed the other characters. They were developed in a way that was not rushed and were relatable, each struggling with their own fears, wants, and desires. Their development is what I enjoyed most.
Although I loved the plot, I disliked the ending. I felt that a few aspects the author had shown earlier in the book were not closed off, leaving me with questions I had to answer for myself. The author did not provide the closure I had expected. Additionally, there were moments where the narrative pace dragged, with overly detailed descriptions that felt unnecessary and slowed down the momentum of the story. These sections sometimes made it hard to stay engaged and detracted from the overall impact of the book.
Nonetheless, I still loved it, and I give it 5 out of 5 stars. The editing was perfect, and the storyline was great. I recommend this book to those who have an interest in politics, philosophy and history.
******
In Search of Achilles
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
In Search of Achilles by Marco Van Den Berg Scholten is a novel set against the backdrop of the pivotal summer of 1990, following the fall of the Berlin Wall and the perceived triumph of capitalism over communism.
As the story begins, we encounter Johan Van Geesteren, a literature student, writer, and young aristocrat who feels disillusioned by the rapid changes and the postmodernist ideologies taught by his professors. His journey begins when he returns to his hometown to get the opinion of his best friend, Achilles, on the stories and poems he has just written.
As the story unfolds, Johan discovers that things are not how they used to be; his best friend seems different. Achilles has given up on their literary dreams, and his moral compass seems to have shifted. And it’s not just Achilles whose ideologies have changed; Johan finds himself amidst a society euphoric with the victory of capitalism yet struggling with its moral and ethical implications. He must now rely on his disciplined upbringing to stay true to his ideals and find any remaining truth in this rapidly changing world.
I loved this book. Marco Van Den Berg Scholten has created a thought-provoking read that delves into the complexities of modernity and the perennial quest for meaning in an ever-changing world.
One aspect that particularly stood out to me was the novel's exploration of the contrast between personal aspirations and societal expectations. Johan's struggle to reconcile his literary ambitions with the pragmatic demands of a capitalist society mirrors the broader conflict faced by many during this transformative period. The novel skillfully intertwines individual narratives with historical events, providing a nuanced perspective on the impact of global changes on personal lives. This interplay between the personal and the political adds depth to the story, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in the human dimension of historical transitions. I also loved how the author portrayed the other characters. They were developed in a way that was not rushed and were relatable, each struggling with their own fears, wants, and desires. Their development is what I enjoyed most.
Although I loved the plot, I disliked the ending. I felt that a few aspects the author had shown earlier in the book were not closed off, leaving me with questions I had to answer for myself. The author did not provide the closure I had expected. Additionally, there were moments where the narrative pace dragged, with overly detailed descriptions that felt unnecessary and slowed down the momentum of the story. These sections sometimes made it hard to stay engaged and detracted from the overall impact of the book.
Nonetheless, I still loved it, and I give it 5 out of 5 stars. The editing was perfect, and the storyline was great. I recommend this book to those who have an interest in politics, philosophy and history.
******
In Search of Achilles
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: No Truce With The Vampires by Martyn Rhys Vaughan
