Book Description
Laura's husband is immobilized by her death. Then he meets a playwright whose subject is death, and who believes that grief can be overcome through an act of will.
From Publishers Weekly
Hart's characters always suffer in the grip of some obsession. After Damage and Sin comes Oblivion?and that's just what most readers will wish for as they peruse the pages of this pretentious novel. Each of the two earlier books locked readers inside the head of a maniacally self-absorbed narrator; here, the focus is diffused among several characters, both living and dead, but all speak in similarly high-pitched, emotionally clotted voices. A year after his beloved wife Laura's death, famous London journalist and TV talk-show host Andrew Bolton still carries on a sorrow-steeped dialogue with her in his head. Laura's mother, similarly obsessed, communicates with her via entries in a journal. Complications ensue when Andrew is attracted to sweet Sarah, who patiently endures his suffering in the belief that her love will motivate Andrew to resume his life. But it is not until Andrew interviews playwright Catherine Samuelson that he achieves a stunning insight. Catherine tells him: "It is in the acknowledgement of the truth of our journey's end?not just death but oblivion?that happiness lies." Before Andrew can accept that advice, we must endure a large section of the book in which the characters in Catherine's new play?who are all dead?speak in melodramatic, turgid, practically unreadable prose. In searching for profundity, Hart has achieved banality.
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From Booklist
Hart, author of the best selling novels Damage and Sin, is well versed in the study of powerful human emotions. Both of those previous works examined lives consumed by an unwieldy obsession, as does her latest one, in this case the longing and loss associated with death. The death of a young wife drives her mother, Jane, mad and her grieving husband, Andrew, nearly there. Both Andrew and his mother-in-law have conversations with the dead woman. Jane keeps a journal of various meetings with her dead daughter, and Andrew is nearly destroyed by his grief, so obsessed is he with his dead wife, despite the fact that he has begun a new relationship. When Andrew observes the characters in a play about death discussing their lives, their deaths, and mostly their fear of being forgotten, he is finally able to reconcile his feelings and his own fear that his wife's memory will fade into obscurity. This is a solid, beautifully crafted, eerie tale that will intrigue and entrance readers.
Kathleen Hughes
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Upon picking up *Oblivion*, I was immediately struck by the sheer artistry of its construction. The narrative doesn't just unfold; it *unfurls*, revealing its secrets with a deliberate and captivating grace. The author’s command of language is remarkable, employing a rich and evocative vocabulary that paints vivid mental images without ever feeling ostentatious. What truly sets this work apart, in my opinion, is its exploration of themes that resonate on a deeply human level. It delves into the nature of purpose, the weight of consequence, and the enduring power of connection, even in the face of overwhelming adversity. I was particularly impressed by the way the author managed to imbue even the most mundane of settings with a profound sense of significance. A simple marketplace, a deserted road, a quiet room – each location becomes imbued with its own unique atmosphere and history, contributing to the overall texture of the story. The character interactions are also a masterclass in subtlety; a shared glance, a hesitant gesture, a carefully chosen word carries more weight than pages of exposition. It’s a book that respects its reader’s intelligence, trusting them to piece together the deeper meanings and emotional undertones. It left me with a lingering sense of wonder and a renewed appreciation for the power of well-crafted narrative.
评分我 must confess that *Oblivion* offered me a reading experience quite unlike any other. The prose itself possesses a certain quality, a carefully curated elegance that draws you in from the very first sentence. It's not about overwhelming you with action or plot twists, but rather about subtly weaving a tapestry of atmosphere and emotion. I found myself particularly captivated by the author's ability to evoke sensory details; the scent of damp earth after a storm, the distant cry of a solitary bird, the chilling touch of the wind – these are not mere descriptions, but invitations into the very fabric of the narrative. The character development is exceptionally nuanced. These are not archetypes, but deeply flawed, complex individuals grappling with their own internal demons and the external pressures of their world. Their motivations, their hesitations, their quiet moments of despair and fleeting sparks of hope – all are rendered with a profound understanding of the human condition. What struck me most was the author’s courage to explore the quiet moments, the introspective pauses that often define our lives. There are passages that are almost meditative in their intensity, prompting a deep sense of reflection within the reader. It’s a book that demands your attention not through loudness, but through its sheer depth and sincerity. It’s a testament to the power of thoughtful storytelling.
评分I must say, *Oblivion* is a book that truly lingers in the mind long after the final page has been turned. The author’s ability to craft a narrative that is both compelling and thought-provoking is truly exceptional. The pacing of the story is masterful, building suspense and intrigue gradually, without ever feeling rushed. I found myself constantly anticipating what would happen next, yet equally captivated by the intricate details of the present moment. The characterizations are exceptionally well-drawn, with each individual possessing a distinct voice and a believable inner life. It’s clear that the author has invested significant time and effort in developing these characters, giving them depth, flaws, and relatable motivations. What I particularly appreciated was the author’s willingness to explore the gray areas of human behavior. There are no simple heroes or villains here, but rather complex individuals making difficult choices in challenging circumstances. This moral ambiguity adds a layer of realism and sophistication to the narrative. The prose itself is elegant and precise, conveying a wealth of meaning with an economy of words. It’s a book that rewards careful reading and reflection, revealing new layers of nuance with each subsequent immersion.
评分这本书的包装就透露着一种神秘感,拿到手里时,那种沉甸甸的质感,加上封面那若隐若现的图腾,就已经让我对接下来的阅读充满了期待。我平时是个比较挑剔的读者,很多书读到一半就会失去兴趣,但是《Oblivion》从第一页开始就牢牢抓住了我。作者构建的那个世界,不是那种一眼就能看透的奇幻设定,而是充满了层次感和未知的吸引力。他对于细节的刻画,比如某个古老城市的街头小贩的叫卖声,某个角色眼中一闪而过的复杂情感,都处理得恰到好处,仿佛我真的置身于那个环境之中,亲身经历着一切。尤其是一些描绘角色内心挣扎的段落,真是写到了骨子里,让我对主人公的处境感同身受。我很难想象作者是如何将如此庞杂的背景故事和如此细腻的人物情感融为一体的,整个故事线索清晰,但又充满了各种引人入胜的转折。我最欣赏的是作者在处理一些哲学层面的问题时,并没有直接给出答案,而是通过角色的经历和抉择,引发读者自己的思考。这是一种非常高明的叙事方式,让这本书不仅仅是一部消遣读物,更是一次与作者共同探索未知世界的旅程。总而言之,《Oblivion》是一部能够让你沉浸其中,并且久久回味的作品,我强烈推荐给所有喜欢深度阅读的读者。
评分《Oblivion》这本书带给我一种非常独特的情感体验。它不是那种让你读完后热血沸腾或者激动不已的书,而是一种更为沉静、更为内省的感受。作者在描绘角色内心的孤独和挣扎时,运用了大量的意象和比喻,让我仿佛能够触碰到角色内心深处最柔软的部分。我尤其喜欢书中关于“遗忘”与“记忆”之间关系的探讨,这不仅仅是一个叙事主题,更是一种贯穿始终的哲学思考。作者通过角色的经历,展现了记忆是如何塑造一个人的身份,又是如何成为一种负担。书中的许多场景,比如在寂静的夜空下,角色望着远方的星辰,思考着自己存在的意义,那种迷茫和渴望,都让我感同身受。我曾一度怀疑过作者是否真的经历过类似的困境,才能写出如此真实动人的文字。让我惊喜的是,书中并没有出现那些俗套的爱情线或者救世主的剧情,而是聚焦于个体在面对巨大的未知时,如何寻找内心的力量。这种真实的描绘,反而比那些虚假的宏大叙事更加动人。我可以说,《Oblivion》是我近几年读过的,最能触动我灵魂的作品之一。它让我重新审视了自己的人生,也让我对“存在”本身有了更深的理解。
评分From my perspective as a reader, *Oblivion* presents a truly singular literary experience. The author has managed to create a narrative that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. The plot, while intricate and multi-layered, never feels convoluted. Instead, it unfolds with a natural, almost inevitable progression, drawing the reader deeper into its complex web. I found the author’s approach to world-building to be particularly commendable. Rather than relying on heavy-handed exposition, they have opted for a more organic method, allowing the world to reveal itself through the characters’ experiences and observations. This creates a sense of discovery for the reader, as if we are uncovering the secrets of this world alongside the protagonists. The thematic depth of the novel is also noteworthy. It tackles profound questions about existence, morality, and the human spirit with a sensitivity and insight that is truly remarkable. I was particularly moved by the author’s exploration of resilience in the face of despair. There are moments of profound darkness within the narrative, yet they are consistently counterbalanced by glimmers of hope and the unwavering determination of the characters to persevere. It’s a testament to the enduring strength of the human will.
评分The experience of reading *Oblivion* was akin to embarking on a journey into a meticulously crafted landscape, where every detail contributes to a larger, immersive whole. The author’s commitment to creating a rich and believable world is evident in the intricate tapestry of history, culture, and social dynamics that form the backdrop of the narrative. I was consistently impressed by the author’s ability to weave together disparate elements into a cohesive and compelling story. The plot, while intricate, never feels overwhelming, thanks to the author’s skillful handling of multiple storylines and perspectives. The characters are not merely pawns in a grander scheme; they are fully realized individuals with their own desires, fears, and internal conflicts, which drive the narrative forward in a natural and engaging manner. I particularly appreciated the author’s nuanced exploration of the consequences of choice. Every decision, no matter how small, seems to ripple outwards, affecting the characters and the world around them in profound ways. This attention to cause and effect lends a significant weight and authenticity to the story. It’s a book that invites contemplation, prompting the reader to consider the interconnectedness of events and the enduring impact of our actions, leaving a lasting impression long after the story concludes.
评分我必须承认,《Oblivion》的开篇确实让我有些意外。我原以为它会是一部情节跌宕起伏的冒险故事,但作者却选择了一种更为内敛和诗意的方式来展开叙述。最初的几章,我甚至觉得有些缓慢,但随着故事的深入,我才逐渐体会到这种铺垫的妙处。作者非常擅长通过环境描写来烘托人物的心境,那种荒凉的废墟,阴森的森林,以及偶尔出现的、带着一丝希望的绿洲,都成为了角色内心世界的外化。让我印象深刻的是,作者并没有刻意去制造一些惊天动地的冲突,而是将注意力集中在角色之间微妙的关系变化上。每一次的对话,每一个眼神的交流,都蕴含着许多未说出口的信息。我喜欢作者对人物塑造的细致入微,即使是那些戏份不多的配角,也都有着鲜明的个性和令人难忘的经历。特别是那位老者,虽然出场不多,但他所传递出的智慧和对过去的怀念,给我留下了深刻的印象。这本书最吸引我的地方在于,它没有预设一个明确的“好”与“坏”的界限,而是将世界置于一片灰色地带。读者需要自己去判断角色的动机,去理解他们的选择。这种模糊性恰恰增加了作品的深度和耐读性。我读完之后,仍然会对一些情节产生不同的解读,这正是一部优秀作品的魅力所在。
评分《Oblivion》最让我着迷的,莫过于作者所描绘的那个宏大而又充满细节的世界。我平时对背景设定比较挑剔,很多奇幻作品的设定虽然宏伟,但往往缺乏说服力,或者说不够“真实”。然而,《Oblivion》的世界构建,却让我感到无比的沉浸。作者并非仅仅堆砌一些奇特的生物或者魔法系统,而是赋予了整个世界一种历史的厚重感和文化的根基。从那些古老的建筑风格,到角色之间流传的传说,再到不同地域之间微妙的社会结构,都体现了作者在世界观设定上的严谨和用心。我尤其喜欢书中对于“失落文明”的描绘,那种对过去的追溯和对未知的探索,充满了引人入胜的魅力。作者并没有将这个失落的文明描绘成一个完美的存在,而是通过角色的经历,展现了其文明内部的矛盾和衰落。这种真实的历史感,让这个架空的世界更加具有说服力。同时,作者也善于将宏大的世界观与角色的个人命运巧妙地结合起来,使得整个故事既有史诗般的格局,又不失个人化的情感深度。我读完这本书,感觉自己仿佛经历了一场穿越时空的旅行,对那个世界充满了眷恋和好奇。
评分我不得不说,《Oblivion》的叙事结构给我留下了深刻的印象。作者并非按照传统的线性时间顺序来讲述故事,而是巧妙地运用了闪回、穿插叙事等多种手法,将过去与现在、现实与回忆交织在一起。这种复杂的结构一开始可能会让一些读者感到困惑,但一旦你适应了这种节奏,就会发现它能更有效地展现人物内心的复杂性和故事的深层含义。我喜欢作者在叙事中留下的“空白”,那些没有被明确解释的细节,那些只言片语的暗示,都像是在给读者留下一个可以自由想象的空间。这种“留白”的处理,让这本书充满了神秘感和吸引力。我记得有一段,关于某个被遗忘的仪式,作者只是描绘了几个零碎的画面,但却足以让我脑海中构建出一个完整的、令人毛骨悚然的场景。这种“少即是多”的写作风格,在如今这个追求信息爆炸的时代,显得尤为珍贵。同时,作者在语言运用上也极具匠心,他会根据不同的场景和人物,调整叙事风格,时而简洁有力,时而细腻婉约,给人一种耳目一新的感觉。总而言之,《Oblivion》是一部在叙事技巧上非常有创意的作品,它挑战了读者对传统叙事的认知,并最终给予了我们一次难忘的阅读体验。
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