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Child of God

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Child of God by Cormac McCarthy is a chilling and disturbing exploration of the descent of Lester Ballard, a man isolated from society who spirals into murder and necrophilia. McCarthy's writing style is sparse yet powerful, capturing the bleak setting and the dark depths of human behavior with precision. The book delves into themes of evil, loneliness, and the fragility of humanity, painting a haunting portrait of a man's degradation.

Characters:

The characters are deeply flawed, with Lester Ballard being particularly multifaceted, embodying both grotesque depravity and tragic vulnerability.

Writing/Prose:

McCarthy's writing is characterized by its poetic quality juxtaposed with stark, sparse prose, often blurring the lines between dialogue and narration.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative focuses on Lester Ballard's horrific journey from being an outcast in society to committing gruesome acts, primarily driven by his traumatic past and lack of acceptance.

Setting:

The setting is vividly described, emphasizing the bleak and isolated environment of rural Appalachia, which significantly contributes to the character's psychological state.

Pacing:

The pacing varies, with an overall brisk tempo that invites readers to engage quickly, interspersed with reflective moments that emphasize the gravity of the subject matter.
THEY CAME LIKE A CARAVAN of carnival folk up through the swales of broomstraw and across the hill in the morning sun, the truck rocking and pitching in the ruts and the musicians on chairs in the truc...

Notes:

The main character, Lester Ballard, loses his family and home early in life, leading to his eventual isolation.
Lester Ballard is depicted as a necrophiliac, which is a central theme of the story.
The novel is set in the Appalachian region of Tennessee during the 1960s.
McCarthy's writing style is noted for its poetic language, even when addressing grotesque subject matter.
Child of God was published in 1973, making it one of McCarthy's earlier works.
Lester's descent into depravity is portrayed with a mix of humor and horror, making the narrative unsettling yet captivating.
The book has sparked controversy and has been challenged in schools for its graphic content.
Despite the disturbing themes, many readers find the prose beautiful and compelling.
The novel explores themes of societal rejection and the consequences of isolation.
Various readers feel pity for Lester Ballard, viewing him as a victim of circumstances rather than purely evil.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include graphic depictions of necrophilia, murder, animal cruelty, and social violence, making it highly unsuitable for sensitive readers.

From The Publisher:

In this taut, chilling novel, Lester Ballard-a violent, dispossessed man falsely accused of rape-haunts the hill country of East Tennessee when he is released from jail. While telling his story, Cormac McCarthy depicts the most sordid aspects of life with dignity, humor, and characteristic lyrical brilliance.

Ratings (41)

Incredible (7)
Loved It (16)
Liked It (10)
It Was OK (4)
Did Not Like (3)
Hated It (1)

Reader Stats (130):

Read It (44)
Want To Read (66)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (19)

3 comment(s)

Loved It
1 month

Cormac McCarthy can write ridiculously good and even if this book was disturbing and hard to read at times I can't deny it was very readable and went by very fast. But not a book I recommend if you are sensitive to darker topics

 
Incredible
3 months

Writing style

 
Incredible
1 year

Outstandingly and creepy this brief little bit of McCarthy will trouble your mind in those dark hours of winter before dawn arrives.


This is the tale of demented little Lester Ballard who came to rise from the mud of Seveirville, Tennessee and reside within the hollowed out mountains that tower above the town… now a modest sized city.


His fiendish deeds rival those of Ed Gein.


Brilliant tale of subtle horror from the master of Southern grotesqueries.

 

About the Author:

Cormac McCarthy is an American novelist, screenwriter, and playwright who has won the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award, and the National Book Critics Circle Award. A number of his works have been adapted into films, including All the Pretty…

 
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