The Road

From the first page the Road is exceptionally well written. The language is best summed up by one of the review texts in the preamble:

Simple yet mysterious, simultaneously cryptic and crystal clear. - The New York Times, as cited in the book.

That is really how it feels. Whatever apocalypse happened is only hinted at, and like the unnamed characters we are in some unknown world. A world which McCarthy describes with no color, vivdness or vibrancy. It is grey or dark. The only color which is over explicitly pointed out is that of blood.

With the book read, the end is however the most puzzling element. The entire book (up until the end), has been narrated from the perspective of the man, however as he dies, it naturally shifts to the boy. Seemingly, in the same instance, the world takes on a decidely positive twist. A kind stranger shows up and the boy is safe.

But why should the narrative shift? Could the end simply be the man's optimistic wish for what happens to the boy? Nothing prior in the book gave any indication that such kindness was exhibited by stranges as was shown at the end.

The only person who ever exhibits such a kindness is exactly the boy himself. Maybe the world was not as hostile as the man perceived - desparate, but not hostile? However, there is too much which directly goes counter to this in order for this theory to float. An interesting ending nonetheless; reminds me of Klara and the Sun.