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Summary: Magical, lovely and effective.
Review: "Autobiography of Red" is the story of Geryon, a young boy with red skin and large wings, who grows into a young man. He is in love with Herakles, a young man who seems to return Geryon's affection, but is actually quite cruel in his fickleness. The two encounter each other on and off over the years, Geryon seeking love, Herakles seeking adventure. Their paths eventually cross in Buenos Aires, of all places, where Herakles is with another young man, Ancash, recording the sounds of various volcanos. The three venture through South America together, the tension between the three of them almost palpable, at least to the more sensitive two of the group, Ancash and Geryon. It is here that the three must decide on the nature of their friendship, and Geryon on the nature of his life.This book is written in poetic free verse, and Ann Carson's style is nothing less than magical. It might seem difficult for readers accustomed to straightforward prose, but if one lets the words wash over them, their meaning will all be clear soon enough, and their beauty alone will convince the reader of their merit. The story is based on Greek myth, but rather than Herakles killing Geryon the monster literally, he "kills" by breaking his heart. Ultimately, the book's message seems to be that Geryon must learn to love himself first. The book is beautifully written, and cannot be recommended highly enough, to any reader who wants to read a delicate story in a challenging format.
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Summary: Unlike any other book I've ever found
Review: "Autobiography of Red" is a strange, beautiful story that moved me so deeply. I wanted to enter this parallel world and walk with Geryon.
Rating:
Summary: Magical, lovely and effective.
Review: "Autobiography of Red" is the story of Geryon, a young boy with red skin and large wings, who grows into a young man. He is in love with Herakles, a young man who seems to return Geryon's affection, but is actually quite cruel in his fickleness. The two encounter each other on and off over the years, Geryon seeking love, Herakles seeking adventure. Their paths eventually cross in Buenos Aires, of all places, where Herakles is with another young man, Ancash, recording the sounds of various volcanos. The three venture through South America together, the tension between the three of them almost palpable, at least to the more sensitive two of the group, Ancash and Geryon. It is here that the three must decide on the nature of their friendship, and Geryon on the nature of his life. This book is written in poetic free verse, and Ann Carson's style is nothing less than magical. It might seem difficult for readers accustomed to straightforward prose, but if one lets the words wash over them, their meaning will all be clear soon enough, and their beauty alone will convince the reader of their merit. The story is based on Greek myth, but rather than Herakles killing Geryon the monster literally, he "kills" by breaking his heart. Ultimately, the book's message seems to be that Geryon must learn to love himself first. The book is beautifully written, and cannot be recommended highly enough, to any reader who wants to read a delicate story in a challenging format.
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Summary: Stunning!
Review: A stunning tale of love. It captured me with its breathtaking verses. A must-read book for passionate readers.
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Summary: Great book
Review: Anne Carson depicts the poignant autobiography of Geryon. I couldn't put this book down after starting to read it; Carson accurately portrays life and the myriad of emotions that come along with it. You too will experience the happiness, joy, sorrow, and loneliness of Geryon.
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Summary: this book has gotten under my fingernails
Review: Anne Carson has created a mindscape. Her choice of style, dialogue (both Internal and Between), and language situate her characters on a mental landscape rather than a physical one. Even the frame of the story grounds the book in time as opposed to space. The book's construction and layout are beautiful. Carson's character Geryon holds such integrity that I now see little red wings on men and women everywhere. Read this book in one or two sittings for a completely overwhelming experience.
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Summary: Autobiography of Red
Review: Anne Carson is truly one of the greatest literary talents to come along in a long time. Her lyrical use of words and innovative writing format makes for a beautifully disturbing and profound book. The thoughts that go through Geryon's head, the words that spill from his mouth, and the situations that he finds himself in manifest themselves in a surprisingly poetic manner. Not only is this book standing in a class by itself because of Carson's stunning writing ability but also because it is, plainly stated, a great story. Everyone can find a bit of themselves in Geryon's coming of age and we all could benefit from his wisom. This is most definately a book not to be missed.
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Summary: Not Just For The Literati
Review: Carson has written a work of literature that is accessible by just about anyone, no mean feat considering the poetry she uses to tell the story. Those who are classicists can get great satisfaction from the originality of the manner in which the story is told, as well as from analyzing the choices Carson makes in her "re-write" of "Geryoneis." Yet "average" readers can enjoy this book as well. Its story is quite readable, and the story and the main character, Geryon, are strangely moving, such that you really want to keep turning the pages to see what happens to Geryon. So, whether you want to study this wonderful piece of literature, or just enjoy a good story, you're in excellent hands with this Carson book.
Rating:
Summary: Not Just For The Literati
Review: Carson has written a work of literature that is accessible by just about anyone, no mean feat considering the poetry she uses to tell the story. Those who are classicists can get great satisfaction from the originality of the manner in which the story is told, as well as from analyzing the choices Carson makes in her "re-write" of "Geryoneis." Yet "average" readers can enjoy this book as well. Its story is quite readable, and the story and the main character, Geryon, are strangely moving, such that you really want to keep turning the pages to see what happens to Geryon. So, whether you want to study this wonderful piece of literature, or just enjoy a good story, you're in excellent hands with this Carson book.
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Summary: Touching, Brilliant, Philosophical Lyric
Review: Carson tells the story of a photographer, Red, from childhood through early adulthood. The bulk of the story is about Red's growing sense of himself as an artist, and his romance/friendship with the buoyant, self-assured, and devilishly handsome Hercules. Red's story is based on the myth of Geryon, a shephard killed by the mythical Hercules. Red fashions a fascinating life, and artistic response to life, from the "foul rag and bone shop" of his youth. In the same way, Carson rhapsodizes a touching lyric from extant shards of ancient poetry regarding Geryon. Carson is not afraid to address the deepest philosophical issues a few stanzas away from a description of the toddler Red playing with his "white trash" mother. (One challenging thought: Without mood we'd be continuous with the universe...only mood lets us sense we are in, but not of the world.) The story works on so many levels- the metaphor of Red's wings, for instance, representing the abnormality that both elevates and alienates him.... the image of the volcano, representing (oh, such an inadequate word for all the affinities, resonances, suggestiveness of her symbols!) libido, the natural order, all the inner depths and natural wonders we're afraid to explore. (I'm reminded of Stevens's Postcards from the Volcano...Carson's E. Dickinson epigraph on the topic is yet another light show of her learning.) I could go on an on. Anyway, I highly recommend the NY Times Magazine Story on Anne Carson (and W. Szymborska, if you get the chance!)
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