The Illumination by Kevin Brockmeier
I don't think I've ever been so engrossed in a book like this one, and enjoyed it so much (even recommended it) but then suddenly half way through the story something happened and I got the literary rug pulled out from under me. How can something go from an "awesome wow," to a fizzled bunch of yuck?
Since I happen to be a person who suffers from chronic pain, I found the main premise of this story to not only be intriguing but personally touching - It's about pain suddenly giving off light in everyone's bodies (the illumination). I filled a few days thinking about, and discussing this subject. I even enjoyed the subplot about a "traveling" love journal, tragically lost by the original writer. So having the story suddenly change from an endearing page-turner to a chore of a read, was rather jarring and confusing. I managed to continue reading the entire book to see if it would get better, but alas it never improved. All that was left was repetitive, people had pain and light came shooting out of their skin, yes, I got that point, but I need something more to happily continue on! There was no final explanation or even an ending thought to leave readers something more to think about, nothing. How sad, I think it could have been a great read, but the author couldn't keep up the plot and develop it into anything more substantial.
1 comment:
I have chronic pain too from my neck to my toes. I would glow so brightly in this book that people would go blind looking at me.
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