Today, I’m taking a different approach in my blog. Instead of praising a classic novel (they can’t all be good), I’m going to have to criticize this one.
This novel has me puzzled as to why it is considered one of the greatest American novels of all time. Curious yet as to which novel I’m talking about? Well, maybe the lines, “Call me Ishmael,” or a great sperm whale will enlighten you.
If you still don’t know what novel I’m referring to, I’ll tell you- Moby Dick. If that got you excited because you’re a huge fan of Herman Melville’s book, you may want to stop reading this.
I’m not a fan! This book is such a drudgery to get through. I pushed and pushed myself to try to read through it. Perhaps, Melville’s writing is too intense for me, I don’t know. Something about this novel bores me to tears. Maybe I just dislike it because it’s completely bereft of romance or passion, more of a man’s novel.
Yes, I get that Melville masterfully deals with good and evil, God’s existence and class status, but I still feel it’s a bit of an exaggeration to call it one of the best novels of all time.
Maybe I need to reread this book now that I’m a little older and more capable of understanding the symbolism within it. But I still feel as if there is something missing in the story that would have made it truly great.
Forgive me if I’ve stepped on some toes here in my cruel criticism of such a “great” novel. I would love to understand its brilliance and find out if anyone actually enjoys reading through this book. Any comments from Moby Dick lovers are welcome. I’d love to learn why people still continue to praise this book as one of the best of all times.
Cozy Corner 