I purchased this book upon recommendation from a friend and colleague who wanted someone to talk about it with and wanted an English teacher’s perspective on the work. I can’t say I was a great choice for a book club partner, given that it took me many, many months to finish the 900 page book. From March until Christmas, I’d only read about 300 pages; I finished the remainder of the book in the last three weeks. I wrapped up 2666 last night and the ending was not what I’d expected. In fact, the entire book wasn’t what I expected. I don’t mean in terms of what I expected from looking at the cover or reading the book blurb. I mean that the book didn’t fit the traditional bill of what a novel is. Perhaps in an effort to let the reader know this difference was intentional, Bolano, through his characters, alluded several times to what makes great literature and that literature doesn’t have to follow the typical formula to be a masterpiece. In fact, in Bolano’s opinion, any that do follow the traditional formula are just retellings of other, better literature. Bolano values originality, a trait that also defines 2666 and its writing style, qualities that made the book so highly-acclaimed.
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About MeA lover of literature and the arts and an advocate for global awareness and active citizenship, I spend my days with high school English and Social Studies students exploring why it all matters and how they can have a voice in the world. This is my space to document and reflect on my practice, note happenings in education, and share my appreciation for the arts. Archives
February 2013
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