"Gargoyles" by Thomas Bernhard is a haunting and thought-provoking novel that delves into themes of solitude, rejection of society, and the search for meaning in life. Set in Austria, the story follows an unnamed narrator confined to a hospital bed, as he reflects on his troubled past and contemplates the grotesque nature of humanity.
One of the remarkable aspects of Bernhard's writing is his distinct and intricate narrative style. The entire novel is constructed almost exclusively with long, stream-of-consciousness sentences that dive deep into the narrator's innermost thoughts and emotions. This creates a sense of urgency and intensity, immersing the reader in the protagonist's troubled mind.
The characters in "Gargoyles" are deeply flawed and morally ambiguous, amplifying the book's unsettling atmosphere. Bernhard expertly portrays their psychological struggles and internal contradictions, offering an unfiltered and raw insight into the complexities of the human condition. The narrator's intense aversion to society and his profound pessimism towards life generate a constant feeling of unease and discomfort that permeates the narrative.
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Through his sharp and incisive prose, Bernhard delves into profound philosophical questions about existence and the meaning of life. He challenges conventional societal norms and exposes the underlying hypocrisy and ugliness of human behavior. "Gargoyles" compels readers to confront uncomfortable truths and grapple with the intricacies of the human experience.
Overall, "Gargoyles" is a book that demands courage and resilience from its readers. Thomas Bernhard's uncompromising and fearless exploration of the darkest recesses of the human psyche provides a captivating and thought-provoking journey. It is a novel that lingers long after the final page, leaving readers questioning their own beliefs and perceptions of the world.
What are readers saying?
Opinions on Thomas Bernhard's novel "Gargoyles" are divided among readers. While some found the book to be gripping and thought-provoking, others struggled with its dense and complex narrative style.
Many readers admire Bernhard's skill in capturing the emotional depth of his characters and delving into their psychological intricacies. They commend the author for his sharp and incisive writing, which brings the story to life and creates a haunting atmosphere. The exploration of themes such as alienation, solitude, and existential despair resonated with these readers, making the book an immersive and captivating experience.
However, a significant number of reviewers found Bernhard's writing style challenging and tedious. They struggled with the long, meandering sentences and the absence of traditional paragraph breaks. Such readers found it difficult to stay engaged with the narrative and felt that the book lacked a clear structure or plot progression.
Some reviewers also found the characters in "Gargoyles" unlikable and hard to relate to. They felt disconnected from the story and had a difficult time connecting with the protagonists. Moreover, the book's pessimistic and nihilistic tone turned off certain readers, finding it overwhelming and bleak.
Despite the mixed reviews, there is a consensus that Thomas Bernhard's "Gargoyles" is a unique and intellectually challenging work. It pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling and tackles profound themes with depth and intensity. For those willing to invest time and effort into understanding Bernhard's distinctive writing style, "Gargoyles" offers a rewarding and thought-provoking reading experience.
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