I'm writing this on January 12, 2000. Last reading: about 2 days ago

This is a tough one to review. It's largely about the dehumanizing effect of war, so it's not supposed to be "fun." It also deals with sanity, death, the concept of time, and some other things. It does this rather well in some ways.

Reading this novel seemed like biting air. The language was so blunt, so plain, that there was nothing to "chew on." The characters acted very real outwardly, but all were dull, blank. The various time jumps and flashbacks provided a consistant feel for the whole novel, but it didn't have anything resembling a normal plotline.

It was effective in being minimal: simple language, short sentences, short segments (usually, it wasn't long before another time-slippage or flashback came along). It was effective in conveying a hopeless, nihilistic life. There's no free will, no life, no death, no real reason for anything.

It was interesting to read, since the form was effectively carried out, and for that, it's nearly worth reccommending. But it's not satisfying, not pleasant, not the kind of thing for most readers. It's far from offensive, but I can't imagine anyone saying they "enjoyed" it.

So it goes.