Monday, July 21, 2008
As Meghan pointed out last week, I suck.
I got so involved in reading The Host, that I never got around to actually blogging about it...
I don't want to give away the ending, or the middle... heck I don't want to give anything away (not for free anyway =p) but I will tell you that this book was an amazing, enthralling read.
I couldn't put it down!
Please note - spoilers may follow, and as I haven't learned to make a jump in my post... well be careful.
Just like in the Twilight series, Stephenie Meyer has proven herself to be a skilled writer with the ability to craft a compelling story with characters you come to love.
Like Twilight, the Host contained exciting moments, an female protagonist (although I found I liked Mel/Wanderer more than Bella due to her independence and strong nature), and more than one sexy scene (mmm sexy).
The Host is Stephenie Meyer's first adult work of fiction. Now when I say adult, I don't mean that it's X rated, and its not like the Twilight series doesn't have its share of border-line adult situations.
I think Wanderer's struggle to fit into society (first that of her kind, and then with the human's community later in the book) is a situation we all find ourselves in at one point or another. As we become adults, and each time we face change in out lives, we have to reevaluate ourselves in context to the society we live in. At points in our lives we might feel that we belong, and others, that something just doesn't click. It's this comparison of ourselves to others that gives us out identity.
I think one of the reason's I really enjoyed this book was the portrayal of two souls in one body. I have always been interested in characters who struggle with their identity. Those with multiple personalities, a dark and a light side, or who have lost their grip on reality - Jekyll/Hyde and Des Howell from Whale Music for example.
Although sometimes it may feel like I'm not the same person I was the day before, this book got me thinking what it would be like to actually share my body with another spirit. How it would feel to be in control, to be suppressed and have to watch as your body does things you may not agree with, or to fight for control.
I suppose this hasn't been the most concise or well crafted review, but thats my own fault for waiting so long and writing late at night.
Hopefully my next review will be more inspiring...
Posted by elyxandra at 7:48 PM