First of all, I found The Elementary Particles a great mixture of sociological history of the Western world and popular science( fiction). Most of the characters personal histories are extensively described, which should make it easier to understand them. I don't mind the explit sexual and violant scenes of the book, because in this case it's justified as the writer describes the main characters and the emptiness of their existence.
What bothers me a bit more is that the story evolves with the help of long monologues, but that's just my personal opinion. Most people wouldn't even notice that, so don't pay too much attention on my remark.
Now here's a notable quote, roughly translated from the Dutch version: "Unpredictable; Unpredictable, frivolous and clownish, that's how people are". I now realise this has much more impact when you would have felt the context in which you could have read this in the book, but it describes the theme perfectly and the reason why I really liked it.
I was stunned by the final idea of the book. And indeed, explicit sex doesn't feel awkward at all.
ReplyDeleteI've seen Elementary Particles on stage (by Nationaal Toneel) some three or four years ago. Even though National Toneel always makes good quality plays, this book is too difficult for the stage.