Blinding Light

[noclublonewolf]

I just finished reading this one. I've read almost every Paul Theroux novel and have yet to be disappointed. Blinding Light is no exception.

Mr. Theroux has written novels about just about every imaginable subject, so I guess that I'm not surprised that he has given us one that deals with drugs. This is a beguiling tale, one that, like other Theroux books, demands patience from a reader. Yet it is ultimately satisfying. His observations have never been sharper, even cutting at times.

Paul Theroux's novels are for astute readers, and he sometimes demands speculation from them. Not to give up any spoilers, but I would have prefered a more lucid ending. However, it does fit in with the lyrical atmosphere of the story. Many readers like more of a closure (to use a trendy term) from recreational reading and Blinding Light offered more questions than answers to this reader. I don't mind that though. Not every story should be tied up and wrapped like a neat package. Life is so rarely like that.

Though Blinding Light is not my favorite Paul Theroux novel, I found it to be richer and more rewarding than what most other writers have to offer.

[Diana L Boeckmann]

just finished part one, and this novel is as funny as many other theroux offerings. the "light" symbolism's a bit heavy-handed at times, but this small flaw is balanced by stunning dialogue: theroux has a gift for capturing voices with dead-on accuracy. always looking for a novel that amuses while it entertains, i rank this new theroux work after jungle lovers and hotel honolulu as a rollicking good time.