The Passenger by Cormac McCarthy (Book Review)

[@HeyQuinton]

Honestly Ben, you have a real gift with words. When you speak, it feels so profound and passionate. You obviously have a vast understanding of the area, but you engage with the audience with dignity; without an air of pretenciousness I get from other channels. In my opinion that is the true sign of a great teacher/intellectual. Someone you obivously know could walk circles around you, but doesn't, because they know everyones experience has value in their interpretation. You truly make it feel accessible. I hope your channel inspires many other readers to look at literature with as much wonder and critical thought.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Aw, thank you so much. That is so kind of you to say. You have completely made my day, my friend. I appreciate you being here and enjoying these great works with me 🙏😊

[@studleytrey]

Well said, and agreed!

[@HamidKhan-sk3dn]

You really rounded up in equally inspiring words what I have been thinking about Benjamin ! He's indeed one of few we have today understanding what imaginative is all about.

[@vernonbrown9275]

I just finished reading The Passenger four days ago and now I am starting all over again after being consumed by it! There is a lot I was unable to grasp or comprehend but felt that it was important nevertheless.... I am 76 years old in fact I just turned 76 yesterday and I feel this book is marking some transitional moment in my life because the next 25 years will complete an entire century and the book dealt with time as well as space as well as everything you said and I am very inarticulate in my writing but fairly good in my paintings and this book certainly boosted my inspiration! I appreciate your review more than I can express!

[@ross-sound-journal]

It was a real treasure. I like it more than Stella Maris, but that one was really good too

[@Scott-no3ib]

Express yourself in the way that feels comfortable, it's better to leave a track some can find than none at all, Socrates (I kid, it was J Roc)

[@tomoneil8638]

Rest in peace Cormac.

[@evansbowen6897]

I’ve never read McCarthy because of the violence but this one looks perfect for me as it deals with subjects I’ve been pondering a long time. I will definitely give it a try. Fun personal note-Cormac and his second wife Anne lived just down the road from my house in the 1970’s. My mother in law was friends with Anne and they would come to an occasional dinner party at what is now my home. Unfortunately it was before my time but we have some personalized signed copies as part of the family house and legacy.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Blood Meridian is certainly one of those books that is incredibly difficult to stomach, but you're right that you'll be fine with this one, Evans :) And how cool that Cormac used to live just down the road from you! Those personalised signed copies are real treasures!

[@carlnoe2]

I’m originally from East Tennessee and enjoy McCarthy’s works. So much of it rings for me…my sister Barbara grew up in Oak Ridge and celebrates her 85th birthday today…happy birthday, Sis! The question is, “do words matter?” Yours do.

[@bobreynolds2515]

A circular set of novels that are a coda to each and both should/could be read twice in succession. The answers to many of the questions in "The Passenger" come in "Stella Maris" and then re-reading "The Passenger" after "Stella" allows for deeper insight into that "negative capability" until one learns that each time we go back and read a great novel or read/see a Shakespearean play we see it differently... We've grown, changed, our DNA and chemical make-up and cells have changed, literally. And so, it goes with consciousness... Thank you Cormac for everything.

[@bradleycarroll2024]

Yours is the freshest review I've encountered thus far. In the Passenger, I was particularly taken with the cat references and this sent me to wikipedia's Schrodingers Cat though experiment, which I interpreted as 'proving' or demonstrating, two competing & opposite 'facts' can be true at the same time. Using this idea, I picked up that people can be both male & female. Hallucinations can be real to the consciousness. Breaking a taboo can be good & correct. When reading the beautiful prose of McCarthy I struggled to get out of my mind an 89 year old man giving us his parting gift and, like us, as a passenger of life watching through the window passing science & art, he is giving us his final thoughts in novel form. As you say, as an extended essay journal of his adventures at St Fe institute. Your antennae metaphor was spot on. I was also particularly taken with his musings on grief vs regret. Regret being a prison, grief the stuff of life. I thought this distinction was the driving force of the book. It led me to consider the actions and consequences of my younger darker life and to keep keeping on. As an aside and thumbs up, your podcast taking on Shakespeare tragedy, and your encouragement to take on the Bards works as a non-scholar was really helpful. Thank you, I've been having a blast meeting some incredible characters.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much, Bradley. And I must return your compliment because your review here is extraordinary! You've completely nailed it, my friend. Thank you so much for sharing this with me! And nice one on diving into Shakespeare. I'd love to know what characters you've enjoyed meeting on your journey thus far!

[@bradleycarroll2024]

@@BenjaminMcEvoy easy. Iago for being so unapologetically evil. I'm convinced Shakespeare enjoyed writing such a bad ass character. Henry iv part 1 has been my surprise discovery with the intense Starsky Ben Stiller character of Hotspur who in his eagerness for war forgets to bring maps to the war council meeting, playing opposite deceptively clever & fun loving Falstaff with his healthy and life preserving (apart from the diabetes of course) attitude towards life. Apart from being a raging alcoholic, our man has a healthy outlook on life. Lady Macbeth is the rock of support every man needs in his life. She GETS THINGS DONE. Hamlet is bit of a whine. Polonius kinda cool and a great dad. And so my privileged non-scholarly journey continues...

[@kieranhooton9665]

Picked up the slipcase (unfortunately not the box set) can’t wait for it to arrive, currently reading through ‘The Road’. My favourite thing is character in literature, specifically relationships, either between two or more or even between one’s self. I think ‘The Road’ has all of this and that’s why I adore it. Can’t wait to finish this video, thank you once again Benjamin!

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Very nice! I can't wait to hear what you make of this one when it arrives, Kieran :) I'm so thrilled to hear you adore 'The Road' too. I must say, that book really made me tear up quite a bit... Happy reading, my friend! :)

[@kieranhooton9665]

@@BenjaminMcEvoy I can’t wait to hear what I make of it either haha, it seems to be quite offbeat from his previous narrative style, although stylistically I would say it’s more McCarthy than an any of his previous works. That’s a complete supposition however. In addition, perhaps seeing Stella Maris and The Passenger as one may elevate both novels massively. I can see why you would tear up, even from the beginning of The Road you can almost see the inevitability of the ending, in my opinion. It really is a beautifully crafted tale of something so sad. I love a good emotional train-wreck of a book haha. Happy reading to you too :)

[@brandonkindt1205]

Consider this interpretation: Bobby actually has schizophrenia as well. We are seeing this manifest through the multitude of "plots" against him - plots that never actually develop. For example, the body in the plane, his friend's death on an oil rig, the feeling that there is a presence with him on the oil rig and later when he is a squatter, his persecution by the IRS, the theft of his family's letters, etc. are not actually connected. The only person encouraging Bobby to flee is the P.I. that we later find is obsessed with conspiracies like the Kennedy assassination. Throughout the book, Bobby becomes increasingly isolated. Some early descriptions of his schizophrenic sister - emaciated with obsessive behavior (like driving for days, non-stop) - will later describe Bobby. Bobby being in love with his sister is merely a recognition of his own future condition.

[@terencemeikle534]

I have yet to give Cormac a go. Certainly on my to-do list. Anyone getting such a riveting McEvoy review is a 'no brainer' must-read.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you, Terence :) I would be so excited to hear your first impressions when you dive into McCarthy! I'd personally recommend Blood Meridian or The Road - both strong favourites of mine!

[@terencemeikle534]

@@BenjaminMcEvoy Will do. May be a wee while, though. I'm currently at novel 18 on a 30-novel Winter 'blow-out'. (Burgess; Golding; Huxley; Murdoch; Lawrence; Ford; Will Self; Patrick White; Melville; Waugh - 3 of each.)

[@carlnoe2]

Ah, but a man’s reach should exceed his grasp…BTW, I’d start with Sunset Limited

[@terencemeikle534]

@BenjaminMcEvoy Well, I got through my 30-novel Winter blow-out, then topped it off with Cormac's 'No Country For Old Men'. It was great. Reminded me a bit of William Faulkner. The style is very very precise, but things aren't 'signposted' for you, and so there is a constant enveloping sense of mystery, right to the end. I am glad that I could have the image of Javier Bardem as Anton Chigurh in my mind as I read. Oddly, perhaps, I came to respect and even admire Chigurh. He did what he said he'd do. There's not a lot of that about these days.

[@aamnainfebruary]

Just realised that it was Thanksgiving yesterday. I wish you a happy Thanksgiving and express a sincere thank you for everything you do for us. I like the articles too, but I absolutely love the videos and the podcast. The former guides us through literature and the latter guides us through life.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Happy Thanksgiving to you too :) I'm very grateful that you're here with me enjoying these bookish discussions! And thank you so much for your kind words. I really appreciate them 😊

[@MilesWilliams88]

RIP to the greatest. His work has had a giant impact on me. I'm so damn bummed about the news. Thank goodness he left some great work behind that we can read for generations to come.

[@cleonRIP]

My collection now has The Road, Blood Meridian, No Country for Old Men, The Border Trilogy, The Stonemason, and these two gems! Great writer, amazing prose and a true master of the words and human fears

[@annewoodborne1254]

You may have just converted me into becoming a Cormac McCarthy fan. I may just go and buy my first McCarthy book. Your description of The Passenger put me in mind of Saul Bellow ( Mr Sammler's Planet) and E. L. Doctorow ( City of God). I love your book reviews and the broad overarching quality of your mind. Thank you again for your generosity in sharing your thoughts and knowledge. A follower from Cape Town.

[@megansovik5629]

I finished the book this morning. I found I had to read it slowly. I loved this book and it's profound statements about life love and loss. Agree must be read again.

[@MikeWiest]

I’m a former physicist current neuroscientist interested in consciousness. I loved Blood Meridian and can’t wait to check this one out! Thank you!

[@houseofoddity]

An incredible review of both the book and Cormack himself. I actually was recommended this book at my fathers wake and it truly was engaging as well as cathartic. This is the first video of yours I have watched and I love your style. I’m also a analytical chemist and this book is one I would recommend.

[@lyon3511]

Ben, you are a gift to lovers of great literature and you gave a quite impressive first impressions account here. Like you, I know I'll want to read this through again and soon. My initial thoughts after reading The Passenger? For openers, upon your glowing recommendation, and that of Harold Bloom, I was halfway through McCarthy's Blood Merridian and, sure enough, had to set it aside after i picked up a copy of The Passenger in my local indy bookstore. I burned through The Passenge. It was so freakin captivating. And I'm happy to report, as an aside, I did complete Blood Merridian shortly after finishing his latest. So many treats in this Cormac read. I loved the oscillation between the siblings point of view. Bobby Weston is unforgettable. The casual talk between Bobby and his peeps is worth the price of admission alone. The character John Sheddan, who calls Bobby Squire, has some of the best banter in the book. Brilliant. Apparently, Cormac based him on his long time friend, even used his real full name! The set up at the beginning, the vagueness of it all, and it being left as such. No neat bows at the end but satisfying, somehow, to the marrow. I think it was the gal in the Atlantic article that said Cormac, the ol' trickster, may have had it that Stellar Maris is the book to read first to make sense of The Passenger. If so, that's pretty bold.

[@darylt-d1p]

Love your channel Ben. Cormac McCarthy May be gone but his legacy lives on in this channel ❤

[@sophia.sierra]

Ben! You don't understand how much I needed your content! As soon as this video popped up on my main page I couldn't wait to devote all my attention to you. I've been stalking this channel nonstop and I wanted to take some time to thank you for all your effort, passion, and advice. I've learned more with you this past few months than I ever did in my entire 12 years of English classes in high school (which is a sad fact but hey! at least I'm branching out & learning new things!) There's always something to learn from you and I must say your insights are wonderful; I wish I could have your brain! Before I leave, I wanted to ask you a tiny question that's been on my mind lately. I watched your video about how to effectively annotate a book and, though the advice you gave was extraordinary, I can't seem to stop overthinking about the preciseness or lack of it when it comes to giving my own opinion about a certain passage. Aren't you afraid of noting down the wrong thing? Or, of looking back in a few months and realizing you no longer agree with what you wrote? Thank you again for everything you do, I wish you the absolute best! Lots of love from Colombia

[@stevekeshner9139]

Now into Stella Maris, and I now believe that Mccarthy has created an intentional bridge between the two novels, a time machine allowing time to travel backwards, such that he answers-gives solutions (in Stella) to unanswered Bobby-puzzles. Alicia, during her dialogs, give us possible Bobby closures.

[@CKrup]

Im about 70% of the way through the book and ive had the exact same experience that you talk about having. The book just so happens to be exploring many ideas that have deeply occupied my mind recently. Its actually uncanny.

[@bryanvaleriano8137]

The part about the students of physics and poetry realizing their fields have a lot in common reminded me of the book The Glass Bead Game by Hermann Hesse.

[@DarkRuins]

never heard of this book or author, but you have sold me.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

I'm so happy to hear that! I hope you enjoy McCarthy's work! :)

[@mpushify]

I think, without belittle every profound posts you've done before, this is your best post ever. I shall not only be reading The Passenger, but relistening to your thoughts again👌🏾🙏🏾

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

That's so kind of you. Thank you so much, my friend! I appreciate you, and would love to hear your thoughts on The Passenger :)

[@dorothysatterfield3699]

I'm waiting for the boxed set to arrive at my door on December 6. Eleven days to go. Thanks for your prompt review of the first volume, Benjamin. It sounds challenging, and all the more enjoyable for that.

[@bigphilly7345]

That UK cover is awesome. The US edition has a cover like a dentist office’s wall art.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

😂 Ha, yes, I love the UK cover - but it looks like the US has those deckled edge pages, which are quite cool :)

[@bigphilly7345]

@@BenjaminMcEvoy I frequently see reviews on Amazon of readers who assume deckled edges are a printing error. They’re very displeased by the product, which I find hilarious.

[@johnnyjohnny8636]

There's some good threads in the Cormac MacCarthy subreddit going over the chapters one by one with a lots of different and interesting views. I found them quite helpful.

[@jonatascardosodesouza8350]

Just finished reading the book. My second ever McCarthy (fist was All the Pretty Horses just a few weeks back). I knew he was a great writer before reading any of his works. Reading both books (specially The Passenger) exceded my expectations. I'm about to start reading Stella Maris and already ordered The Blood Meredian and The Road.

[@peterwhite7428]

You do a great job of articulating the depths of McCarthy’s work. You are the best introductory voice. Brilliant yourself

[@Thecatladybooknook_PennyD]

I am a recent convert to McCarthy this year. I've read quite a number of his books and 1 screenplay so far. I Loved this book... the mystery of it, the sitting in the MCs thoughts and feelings. So many things to dissect in this book. I can't wait to read Stella Maris ASAP once it arrives. McCarthy jumped to the top of my favorite author list this year.

[@MikeWiest]

It’s “spooky action at a distance,” and it’s not from string theory. Check out the recent physics Nobel Prizes!

[@neilbutler9262]

Hello Benjamin! I'm new to your KZbin reviews - thank you! As it happens, I just picked up a copy of The Passenger. I've been a Cormac McCarthy fan for a while and recently re-read Blood Meridian (prompted by Harold Bloom's review of it in his book - The Bright Book of Life). I'm just finishing something else and then I'll plunge into The Passenger. In the meantime, I'm finding interest in the comments of others - and I very much appreciate your take on it. Thank you.

[@thetheatrezoo3603]

I loved the sentiment that joy is an individualized idea, but sorrow has a shared quality. I believe this book is going find its place in the worlds of discussion. There are so many layers within the story, and those initially dismissing it are only reading the surface. I really like your entangling of poetry and physics in this discussion. 👌

[@user-cp9yo4jk9b]

It's kind of the inverse of that Anna Karenina quote

[@brynbstn]

I think that's a good point - it's a collection of essays - thoughts CM wanted to get down before he checked out. I see the book primarily as a lamentation. It's full of loss and sorrow. The ending is about finding peace. The protagonist, RW, is on the run for most of the book. Finally in the last chapter he's not on the run. What does he do? Same old - walks on the beach, couple drinks at the bar in the evening, resumes his explorations of mathematics. CM's comments about physics/math are interesting, but incidental, something he wanted to say, like the account of JFK's murder. I think you, Benjamin, just like that stuff.

[@bookplateorg-ry5fl]

Dear Benjamin, what a beautifully rendered presentation of this writer. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and knowledge.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much, my friend. I really appreciate that :)

[@bookplateorg-ry5fl]

@@BenjaminMcEvoy Thank you so much for your message. I watch you in a small city, south of Mexico and thoroughly enjoy your videos.

[@ivatorres4515]

I love your reviews. However, l usually listen to you after l have read the books myself. I have just finished Stella Maris after having read The Passenger. I really liked it and hope that soon you will publish a review on it. Must read The Passenger again, as l was too eager to get into Mccarthy, after his long absence. Thank you for your vivid comments.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much, my friend. I definitely have more things to say after reading Stella Maris. Given the sad news of Cormac McCarthy's passing, I reread both of these books and also started a reread of Blood Meridian too!

[@mb8158]

I'm reading it now, and just saw Oppenheimer. Interesting timing. McCarthy ahead of his time. I wondered if he had a chance to see the movie, and if he knew the backstory presented by Christopher Nolan.

[@harrymurakami]

We must be on the same wavelength bc I felt the same way reading this. Great review brother.

[@ellenm8707]

Hi Ben! Thanks to our book club reading of Blood Meridian, I also got a copy of this as soon as I could. I’m less than 100 pages in, and so far so good but also thinking your guidance on this one would be great!

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Hi Ellen :) I'm so happy you got your hands on a copy of this one too! I noticed that a reading of Blood Meridian helps quite a bit with this one. Although they're quite different works, I definitely hear some echoes from BM here. I'd be keen to know if you do too!

[@jobuckley2999]

I just finished The Passenger today. Having read most of his novels I found this one to be his most philosophical. There are some beautiful poetic passages that are just mesmerizing. Basically, this novel consists of various brilliant conversations about profound ideas with the protagonist and friends over lunch. I enjoyed it but would not recommend it as a McCarthy first read. My favorite of his is No Country for Old Men. It involves a psychotic killer and an aging philosophical sheriff on a collision course. I enjoyed your review even though it made me feel like I missed something in my read of this novel.

[@johnshannon9656]

You can be smart and rational if you want, and there's a value to that, but raw heart will always burst through.

[@kfwimmer]

Your review is the best I've heard or read! I've read and hear it 3 times now and I'm planning to read it again before Stella Maris comes out.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much, Karl! I can't wait to read Stella Maris - I'll give this one a reread before then myself!

[@lyon3511]

Please review McCarthy's Stella Maris. While it's billed as a coda to The Passenger, after reading both it seems to be best read first. The spines of the American editions come together to form a picture of a face. However it only works on the shelf when The Passenger is on the left and Stella Maris to the right. The two halves coming together to form one unit with Stella as the opener.

[@eagle1ear]

I think how comfortable one is dealing with unresolved mystery might determine which volume to read first. But then how would one know prior to actually reading one or the other. In my case, I first read "The Passenger." I then read "Stella Maris." I then read "The Passenger" a second time.

[@Abayey]

Hello Benjamin!! I have so many questions!! Umm tell me what can you tell me about the concept of beauty? All literature and indeed all art aspires to a transcendent notion of the beautiful! How does one or is it even possible to ever actualize and embody that oh so ideal and abstract perfection??

[@habitshare]

and I'm just like.... Where is his Nobel? For me The Road was the saddest book Iv'e ever read. I had to stop a few times to regroup. Brilliant, but o so sad.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

I know, right? Tell me about it. He should have got his by now, if you ask me... 'The Road' tore me apart...

[@carlnoe2]

Passenger sited in Chicago: in the movie The Counselor, there is a discussion about “the passenger”

[@julieduncan4075]

Had no idea he just published again. Just ordered both, thanks to you. Looking forward! 😊

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Nice one, Julie! I'd love to know what you make of it :)

[@julieduncan4075]

@@BenjaminMcEvoy My winter break starts the 16th, so I’ll let you know! Can’t wait to dig in! 🙂

[@studleytrey]

I've been seeing some mixed reactions to this one, none of it dissuading my pre-order of the boxed set (UK version because it's more to my taste than the local one here in the US), as I'm such a fan of McCarthy I will read it all. You've just made me even more excited to get into these! I'm saving this video to return to after I've read it to help unpack it even more. Cheers, Benjamin!

[@sirotahaggen]

I've heard a few reviews and read many to a mixed reaction and I enjoyed yours the best. You certainly sound like you had some prior background and familiarity with the mathematical themes which appear to divert a lot of mccarthy fans with this book, and as a diehard fan I hope that my lack of an academic understanding of physics doesn't spoil the experience. I anticipate an excruciating challenge, but remain very excited.

[@goodyeoman4534]

It's like all McCarthy books: it takes you a while to adjust to his frequency. But once you have, it's like being in a state of literary bliss. The words just roll off the page. The only downside is you are constantly having to bookmark particular passages (or even just single sentences) that stand out to you.

[@dooku976]

Hi Benjamin! Would you recommend I wait till the new year to join the Hardcore Literature book Club?

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

If we've covered a book you're interested in, I'd recommend joining any time you like :) But we will also have our schedule reveal dropping in a few days time, so you'll be able to see what we have lined up. You'll be very warmly welcomed whenever you join up and we'd be so happy to have you reading with us!

[@cfor1950]

Nice review, I sometimes buy UK editions because they have such better designs, and I was wondering if this edition uses different words for common objects like 'lorry' vs 'truck', etc. like some printings do? Thanks!

[@philvallee645]

Hi Ben thanks so much for sharing your impressions of the Passenger. I have to say that for me, it started to come together when I read Stella Maris. There is a passage where Bobby’s sister Alicia alludes to the fact that the Kid might have his own independent identity which McCarthy seems to be referencing when Bobby himself is visited by the Kid. I found that puzzling in the context of the Passenger alone but less so when Alicia shares her theory. Then again, I’ve been wrestling with the idea that the Passenger itself might not be entirely Alicia’s dream.. I’ll be keen to hear your thoughts on Stella Maris, which I found more engaging and thought provoking. Thanks again.

[@abrlim5597]

Can I read Stella Maris first before reading the Passenger?

[@dancinggold17]

It was amazing. I immediately want to read it again for better understanding but I still have Stella Maris. I could read The Passenger as fast as I wanted, but I may take my time with Stella Maris because I'm not sure we are getting another Cormac McCarthy book and that makes me so sad.

[@Castaca27]

Good grief! What a beautiful review!! This sounds like the book I've always wanted to read.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much :) I hope you enjoy it!

[@buddharuci2701]

Ben, I have never read a word of this author. Would you perhaps recommend a novel of his as an entry. Thanks. Michael

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Hi Michael! My recommendation would be Blood Meridian :) Masterpiece!

[@t0dd000]

Interesting premise discussion. I didn't pick up on those premises at all when I read this. Hm.

[@JD-ij8bz]

i saw many review and felt they were shallow , this one is much closer to what i think . where quantum mechanics is where science meets belief

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much, my friend. I really appreciate that :) Sounds like we both came away with similar thoughts!

[@jackmehoff915]

Einstein never heard of String Theory , it wasn't proposed until after he was dead. He referred to Quantum Entanglement (the now proven phenomena that particles can effect each other state over distance) spooky action at a distance.

[@alphonseelric5722]

I find it very weirdly satisfying that the proof of Quantum entaglement opens the pathway to a super deterministic but sinister Universe. Very fitting end to a storied career interested in this sinister universe, and coinciding with the time of the proof.

[@rayzern22]

I am muddling through this book and I am guided by your opinion. I love your summation and I think you are mostly right. I think you are sort of glossing over the uncomfortable incest angle, though. And the insensitive "Kid" character, though I understand he is just a figment. I am struggling with parts of it. So glad I found your channel.

[@mp-ty2py]

The art work at 5:20 is so captivating, anyone know what it's called?

[@barbarajohnson1442]

I think it is a Paul Delvaux,

[@fleabynight]

Well said. I'm keen to read my copy that arrived the other day, as his books really eat at me and linger for years.

[@burke9497]

Happy Thanksgiving Benjamin!

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Happy Thanksgiving to you too, Jeffrey. I'm grateful for you! 🙏😊

[@nickdubesa8068]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqO4qmSMo5d-mqs Towards the end of this interview Cormac mentions how the subconscious seems to know things it shouldn’t know, how it communicates to us through symbology in dreams and provides answers through images, as opposed to words, he claims language is a construct it doesn’t work through for some reason. He wrote a couple of essays on the subject as well. I have a feeling you’ve already been through this material though haha. I’m looking forward to reading the book.

[@larrycarr4562]

Yes a very interesting comment on our subconscious, as McCarthy says “couldn’t care less about anyone but you”. As Alicia’s primary hallucination the kid, I’m a bit flummoxed by his later appearance to Bobby as memories of Alicia become more fleeting. I’m assuming hallucinations emanate from our subconscious? Does the Kid appearing to Bobby indicate communication between the subconscious of Alicia & Bobby,or simply a memory of them discussing the Kid? Will Stella Maris provide explanation or further mystery? I’m suspecting the latter. We’ll see -can’t wait!

[@marylou7089]

Hi Benjamin, I cannot remember which podcast it was in which you asserted that there were no good satirical authors writing today and I agreed with you. I had to write to you, however as I have thought of a very good one; Alexander McCall Smith, in his 44 Scotland Street sreies. He satirizes Bertie’s helicopter mother and her type brilliantly and with great humour. Love your podcasts.

[@shirleymuhleisen683]

Just a couple of quick thoughts. I felt the exquisite aloneness of Bobby-especially in the trek up to Idaho-and the free-associating or attempt to capture the chaos of dreams in Mc Carthy’s writing about what Bobby was experiencing. I’m guessing McCarthy experienced this off-grid isolation at some point to be able to express it so well. Like you, I’m starting a second read before the next book arrives. There’s so much to say about this one. Happy Thanksgiving

[@larrycarr4562]

I think you’re right about aloneness- always their in McCarthy’s stories.

[@gianlucamagi1635]

Came here after I finish reading it- I’m still very confused, I’m honest saying that I didn’t understand it very well in certain parts (unless you’re a physics expert) and can’t say that I didn’t find his reading (or at least the Italian translation of it) sometimes boring

[@27aritrasinhaxb63]

I think I should read this novel because I have been thinking about God, quantum mechanics and physics a lot now . But I haven't read any McCarthy before. Should I read it?

[@carlnoe2]

Not if you’re looking for answers.…; )

[@27aritrasinhaxb63]

@@carlnoe2 nah i don't need answers after reading a book of quantum physics

[@carlnoe2]

@@27aritrasinhaxb63 right, I think I was ready for Cormac McCarthy after I read QED. You may enjoy him.

[@Chris-se4ej]

I´m completely new to McCarthy. Can you recommend a book to start with?

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

I would personally recommend Blood Meridian or The Road to get started, Chris! :)

[@bradleycarroll2024]

Suttree was my gateway. Some extraordinary characters and humour. Think Tom Waits on the page.

[@carlnoe2]

Buy every book. Watch the plays and movies, get a ticket for passage on the Sunset Limited with a sleeper. Then start reading. Don’t forget to stop in Santa Fe. Go to n’yawlins if you have to, but avoid Chicago.

[@cecooks]

Just finished it last night. I'm not as impressed as you, but I usually read things like Sandra Brown .

[@tadhgcronin175]

I think your channel is great but i can't listen to book reviews until after I've read the book. Wierd, I know. 2022 started for me with Blood Meridian, wow. I also read the All The Pretty Horses, The Crossing, Child of God, The Road. For me my favourite read this year was Suttree which is my favourite Cormac Mccarthy novel. It's such a beautiful book full of humanity and a kind of majesty, almost the opposite of Blood Meridian. I'm going to round out my year with Cities of the Plain. 2023 is the year of William Gaddis, The Recognitions has defeated me in the past but we'll see, JR is also lined up. Have a good Christmas and a Happy New Year.

[@rosannavitale9922]

Greetings. Perhaps a tad off topic--At some time, would you consider commenting on IF ON A WINTER'S NIGHT A TRAVELLER by Italo Calvino? Your thoughts are consistently illuminating and informative. Thank you.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Incredible book! What an amazing coincidence, Rosanna. It's literally what I'm reading and loving at the moment. I'm sure I'll be talking about it in the future. Italo Calvino is wonderful :)

[@rosannavitale9922]

@@BenjaminMcEvoy I look forward to your insight and thoughts. I shall start rereading the book in anticipation. Thank you so very much. Joy and serenity.

[@DrMetalpin]

The UK covers are so much better than the USA ones for these books. I ordered the box set from Amazon UK.

[@livinginmexico9422]

Thank you for your insights. Yes, very deep and profound. McCarthy is my favorite author. I enjoyed it twice as an audiobook from Audible in Nov. One of the narrators is Julia Whelan, one of my favorites. I have some ideas about the content but do not want to put out any spoilers.

[@kingfisher9553]

☕Ordered the book. This will be my "chosen" book for Hardcore Literature 2023.

[@alejandrotraasen1213]

Could you do a video about your opinion on Nabokov or Gabriel García Márquez? They're my favourite authors and I respect your opinion. Don't care if it's bad

[@carlnoe2]

From what I’ve seen, Mr. McEvoy is incapable of writing a bad review. I challenge him to examine Maupassant’s Two Friends for us and A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings for you. Pale Fire would be nice too., but there is no foreseeable end to this.

[@SavoPaddy]

Fabulous review, preview, taster.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you, my friend :)

[@creationspast.janebowell1903]

Brilliant as always, thank you !

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you, Jane :)

[@roncarpenter7240]

What did McCarthy think of Spinoza?

[@OmnipotentO]

I get mine tomorrow. I'm excited

[@susprime7018]

Ordered the boxed set, so I have to wait until December, sounds great. Happy to hear that it contains some humor.

[@maryann7619]

HELP! The italicized prologue to The Passenger mentions a man finding a chain, a ring, and a key. In Stella Maris, Bobby is given a chain and a ring. What happened to the key? ANYBODY? HELLO? ANYBODY OUT THERE?

[@hploveraft]

Love this. No words can truly do THE PASSENGER justice. But they can try. In BLOOD MERIDIAN, The Judge notes, “Your heart’s desire is to be told some mystery. The mystery is that there is no mystery.” Mystery, ever elusive, leads us toward nothing. Yet, the mystery still exists. In THE PASSENGER, the sunken plane is our subconscious. The missing passenger is our unconscious, our mystery. The unconscious never provides a direct answer, but it still directs and dictates our life. The missing passenger is more a pilot than anything. And it leads Bobby Western, or Western civilization, on the long, winding, confusing journey toward the solution - leaning back into the dark, singing softly in an unknown tongue, the last pagan on earth, he… or we… can feel confident in carrying beauty into the unknown. P.S. If someone attempts to read THE PASSENGER without having read Cormac McCarthy’s essay, THE KEKULÉ PROBLEM, they’re missing out!

[@carlnoe2]

Speaking of pilots, did you see Mark Twain’s Mysterious Stranger?

[@anotherbibliophilereads]

Thanks for this review. There have been a few less than stellar reviews for The Passanger on KZbin that gave me doubts, but I’m a feeling a bit more confident that this could be intriguing book. I have the boxed set with Stella Maris due next week. I’m getting excited.

[@johnsilver8059]

I’ve also heard some of those negative reviews. My take on those is that if you believe that if an author goes into great detail about a white handkerchief left next to an open jar of cold cream on a sink, the author has an obligation to explain the significance of the handkerchief, then this book will disappoint you. This is not an Hercule Poirot mystery in which all the strings are tied together in a neat square knot at the end. Personally, I loved it.

[@anotherbibliophilereads]

@@johnsilver8059 I can’t say that I loved it the way I loved some of his earlier novels, but there is definitely meat on the page to chew on.

[@carlnoe2]

Which circle of hell is reserved for those who discourage reading? You can bet Sam Spade reads! (by the light of a burning boat in the San Francisco Bay)

[@greensombrero3641]

Excellent review - thanks. Both are on the Christmas list. And one more from Orwell (Paris and London)

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Nice choice of books for Christmas! Down and Out in Paris and London is my personal favourite Orwell :)

[@greensombrero3641]

@@BenjaminMcEvoy BRAVO - by the way, No Country for Old Men is one of my CM books and my FAVORITE film of all time

[@t0dd000]

Interesting cover difference. Wonder if that is a regional difference.

[@laurels7892]

Great review! I've added The Passenger to my request list at the library. Happy Thanksgiving!

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you, Laurel! :) I'd love to hear what you make of it. Happy Thanksgiving, my friend :)

[@laurels7892]

@@BenjaminMcEvoy The wait list is pretty long but I will let you know! 😊

[@ross-sound-journal]

What a great read. I love your review here

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much! :)

[@GoodMrDawes]

Can always trust a Britt's review. A thought provoking book which I am sure will have many rereading's. Like all of his works

[@markd964]

One of the best book reviews I've ever heard / read. The Passenger is now a must read...

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Wow! Thank you, Mark :) I'd love to hear what you make of it!

[@markd964]

@@BenjaminMcEvoy Hi Benjamin-Thought I'd reply after reading both 'The Passenger' and 'Stella Maris'. Both were entirely unexpected and seemingly random storylines, having only seen McCarthy on screen and in scriptwriter form (I came to McCarthy after seeing a movie and having some foreigners extensive experience of the American Southwest). Without giving anything away, on reading, I found them at times beautifully pointed (from memory, please forgive: 'BOOKS ARE WRITTEN IN LIEU OF BURNING THE WORLD'...jaw-dropping perspectives!) and at times seemingly 'scatteringly incomprehensible' and irrelevent (at the time perhaps). Without ever claiming to understand each and every clever and hidden allusion, literary and physics metaphors aside (as a sceintist myself) , I felt disappointed intially, although my impatient disappointment felt inappropriate at the time. However, when settled, I am finding that the books defintiely and profoundly affected me,; I am not sure positively, and some time later the writing and the story (in two books) is still 'washing-over' my own life. Whilst fiction, I truly hope that the absent 'Passenger' and 'the Kid'' are not how McCarthy himself views this beautiful world. But there is a price to pay for the words we write...Your recommendation is sound, and I will be delving further in McCarthy's work. Thank you.

[@jwelshmanmusic]

Awesome vid and thoughts regarding The Passenger, it became an instant favorite of mine. Do you plan to do a follow-up on Stella Maris? I would love to hear your thoughts on it!

[@interested-q4d]

I hope I'm that good when I'm 89.

[@carlnoe2]

Me too…God, I love the ambiguity of the English language!

[@MicroChipMonk]

CM's deep meditations on death, shake the fruit off my tree.

[@helenwood1]

The Road literally changed my life - well, for a time - at least for a week after I read it.

[@carlnoe2]

You need to see the movie

[@thanomsacksoumpholphakdy7896]

Endless truths, enduring Wisdoms. And Quantum Mechanics, it’s all in there. Amongst other themes. Spot on with Review, without spoilers of course. Great review. ❤it. Thank you😊. I only have one other thing to say though, reading of this book has to be done at least twice if not three times. I recommend it.

[@bhubb198]

Should we consider The Passenger science fiction?

[@carlnoe2]

Did you like the Wartburger joke?

[@eagle1ear]

No.

[@MarcoEmeryLinden]

McCarthy is very inspired by the King James Bible. I've recently been rereading the bible in the original Hebrew. Have you ever tried studying ancient Hebrew? I find that in the original Hebrew, the language is even more poetic and beautiful.

[@carlnoe2]

Yeah, but the KJV was originally written in English. Shalom.

[@brodiiie]

Hi Ben! Just read The Road (my first McCarthy) and it was absolutely phenomenal, an instant favourite. As a trans person (i'm non-binary), I was very excited to hear that there is a transgender character in a chapter of The Passenger. I was excited because its so rare to see positive depictions of trans people in media. I haven't read the novel yet, but I'd love to hear your thoughts on her character and McCarthy's depiction of her.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Nice one on reading your first McCarthy! 'The Road' is such a brilliant entrance to his works. Haunting story that left me quite broken by the end of it. And, yes, you're so right! I'm thinking I'll do a longer breakdown of this novel because there really is so much in it, and I'd be very happy to discuss McCarthy's transgender character. I would love to get your view too when you read this one! :)

[@UltimateKyuubiFox]

@Vesica1993 There’s been more than that for generations in every culture on earth. Documentation stamped out or burnt, that which remains is scattered around the globe. Your basic premise is also incorrect. Even on a purely biological basis, intersex people exist with both sets of genitalia. The conditions of the neurological and biological are more complex than you know. And that fact does you no harm.

[@annonymouslibertairian9120]

I had made a mistake and read Stella Marris first thinking it was a standalone book. I mean, it could be, I enjoyed it on its own. But I knew exactly who the characters were from the beginning reading the Passenger. And it is brilliantly written. Mostly. I am sorry it has some major flaws. I will try to be spoiler free. It doesn't resolve anything. There is a giant set piece at the beginning of the book that is almost forgotten mid way through the story. It almost seems like he couldn't come up with a resolution for the problem of the antagonist. He kind of just takes an easy fast exit from the story so he could just continue on with his (at some points self-indulgent) philosophical ponderings. "Please forget the major event at the beginning of the book that is the namesake of the novel, now here is another 10 pages of exposition on him still mourning the death of a family member. An IMPORTANT family member, so another 10 pages of it after that." I love "The Road", I think "No Country for old Men" is a masterpiece, I read the screen play for "The Councilor" and enjoyed it more than the move, Stella Marris is brilliant on it's own. The Passenger disappointed. A well written disappointment.