The Favorite Game : Book Review

"The Favorite Game" by Leonard Cohen is a mesmerizing semi-autobiographical novel that takes readers on a profound journey through the complexities of coming-of-age, love, and artistic pursuit. Set in 1950s Montreal, Cohen's poetic prose and introspective narration beautifully capture the essence of the era and create a vivid backdrop for the story.

At the heart of the novel is Lawrence Breavman, a young man torn between his passion for writing and his yearning for love and connection. Through his encounters with various characters and romantic entanglements, Lawrence embarks on a quest of self-discovery and explores the eternal search for meaning in life.

One of the standout elements of "The Favorite Game" is Cohen's captivating writing style. His poetic language and vivid descriptions immerse readers in the story, allowing them to feel the pulsating energy of the bohemian culture of 1950s Montreal. Cohen's introspective narration draws readers into Lawrence's mind, forging a deep emotional connection with his inner struggles and desires.

Love and relationships are central themes in the novel, and Cohen portrays them with raw honesty and vulnerability. He captures the intense emotions and complexities of romantic connections, delving into the beauty and pain that come with falling in and out of love. Through Lawrence's experiences, readers gain insights into the intricacies of human relationships and the transformative power of love.

"The Favorite Game" also serves as a love letter to the cultural milieu of 1950s Montreal. Cohen's vivid descriptions of the bohemian lifestyle and artistic scene bring the era to life, evoking a sense of nostalgia and immersing readers in the vibrant atmosphere of the time.

What are readers saying?

Leonard Cohen's novel "The Favorite Game," published in 1963, has garnered a range of reviews from readers. This coming-of-age story explores themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery, and overall, the book has received positive feedback. Many readers praise Cohen's writing style, describing it as poetic and lyrical, with a beautiful and mesmerizing quality. They appreciate his ability to create vivid imagery and evoke strong emotions through his words, making it a compelling read.

One aspect that readers particularly admire is the book's exploration of love and relationships. Cohen delves into the complexities of romantic connections, portraying them in a realistic manner. Reviewers find the characters' emotions and experiences to be genuine, making it easy to relate to them. Additionally, the book's honest and refreshing portrayal of sexuality is also applauded by readers.

The theme of self-discovery is another aspect of the novel that resonates with reviewers. They find the protagonist's journey of self-exploration and growth to be engrossing and thought-provoking. Cohen's exploration of the character's internal struggles adds depth to the story, making it even more compelling. Readers mention that the book's universal depiction of coming of age resonates with them on a personal level.

While the overall response to "The Favorite Game" is positive, some reviewers do have minor criticisms. They find certain parts of the book to be slow-paced or repetitive. Some readers note that the plot meanders at times and suggest that certain scenes could have been condensed. However, despite these minor flaws, the book's strengths are acknowledged to outweigh its weaknesses.

In conclusion, "The Favorite Game" by Leonard Cohen has received praise from readers for its emotional depth, evocative writing style, and relatable characters. Fans of Cohen's music, as well as those interested in introspective and poetic novels, are likely to enjoy this book. Despite occasional slow pacing and repetitiveness, the overall feedback shows that "The Favorite Game" is well-received and engaging.

TheFavoriteGameBook CanadianLiterature ComingofAge