I have read 2 other books by Coetzee and really liked them both. However this was not very enjoyable at all. Each page is divded into three sections, the first consisting of a serious of articles on the "opinions" by the main character, the second his narration on his interactions with his typist and the last a narration from the point of view of the typist. This unconventional style of narration is not good or bad in itself. However the articles slowly descend into ramblings of an old crankpot...such as how he doesn't like the fact that probability doesn't give definitive answers to the individual?!? I hate to be disparaging to one of my preferred authors, but these are really the comments of someone who is trying to use his extended vocabulary and philosophical knowledge in attempting to sound intelligent while commenting on scientific topics he doesn't understand. The most engaging part of the novel was the story between the characters, however this was the minority of the text.

Overall it reads like Coetzee wanted to write a book with all his random opinions on various topics and then tried to turn it into a novel so that people would read it.

2 stars because the story between the characters and some of the opinions are engaging.

4.5/5

I did copy a few passages from this book, like meditations on life, but I say it was only "okay" because I didn't really find the character's voices believable.

This book flowed through 3 different slants.

1st slant: The main protagnist's essays as an author delving into different topics on politics, religion, morality, the author life and so on. I was definitely struck especially on the writings on politics. Probably because in these times, I too live in a "state" of confusion.

2nd slant: Main story and plot between Senor C (the aging author) and Anya (his hired Filipina typist). I cannot decipher if I appreciate the fact that their relationship remained in a way professional bordering on a being a little more affectionate. I don't how to feel that Anya is portrayed as not being that bright and say a bit superficial and too dependent on emotions. I can't say that I was okay with it but I didn't find it offensive but just a fact of character portrayal and shouldn't be thought of as anything more.

3rd slant: Anya's personal musings and opinions on Senor C's writings and her sentiments on their relationship. Didn't like Anya and Alan's relationship at all if you can even call it that exactly.

I wonder if I took just 1 slant at a time, will the experience be made better, worse or the same?

Around the Year in 52 books: A book about an antihero - 23/52

This is not a book I would recommend for anyone who has an e-reader. You really need the book version as you find yourself working forwards and backwards through the novel as you navigate the two points of view and three narratives.
Coetzee forces you into a choice as to how you read this book. That can be difficult for the reader as all three narratives are highly engaging. You want to follow one narrative all the way through but you can not as you need to find stopping points so you can up on the other narratives. If you like reading in nice straight line this will drive you mad but stick with it. There is no right or wrong to read this story just allow yourself to find your own way.
Coetzee is a masterful story teller and he captures three rather distinct voices that resonate with you.

[3.5]

I didn't hate the format like I thought I would. I thought the simultaneous perspectives was an interesting way to tell this story. It really gave each perspective depth that wasn't inherent in each section. I also reckon reading this in one or two sittings is the most appropriate way to go.

I really liked the structure of this book.

Evidently I loved the diary being mixed with the "Strong Opinions" with the "Soft" ones.

I really loved Anya's character! She had so much spunk in her!
Throughout the story, I even grow to like and feel compassion towards Señor C.
I secretly loved despising Alan. He's so despicable.

This book was way too heavy on politics and Australian politics but I enjoyed the way the politics was articulated.

Although it slowed the pacing of the reading; the triple narrative was essential to the story and what made it an enjoyable book, in my opinion.

Overall, a great political and life lessons learning read.

Well, that was interesting.

This entire book is told in three distinct voices. The first voice is that of an author's book of opinions on the state of the world. It really does make the book feel both fiction and non-fiction. The second voice is that of the author himself, talking about his "life" outside of the book he is writing - his actual Diary. The third voice is that of his secretary/typist, Anya, who is transcribing the book for the author, who she calls Senor C - her actual Diary.

The book that the author is writing makes him come across as overly intelligent, smug, and rather douchebaggish. Anya is super attractive and comes across as perhaps not the brightest lightbulb in the box. As the book goes on, you can see in all three story lines how all the characters change, become more open, more intelligent, etc.

It was a pretty interesting way to show how deeply someone can be affected by only one different person in their life, for maybe only a year. Moments from Anya's Diary, where she talks of telling Senor C something, can show up in an attitude or a line from the book that Senor is writing. Whereas Senor's attitude towards Anya tends to change her so that she becomes more positive about herself.

I was very back-and-forth about this book. I was thrown off by the 3 different POVs at first, and found it difficult to keep everything straight. After a while I realized there was some continuance between the three (as in, the Anya perspective was later found to influence the writings of Senor C), but I felt like I had to work too hard to find these nuances at times.

In the end, I went with 3 stars instead of 2 because I found myself thinking a lot about the relationship between Senor C and Anya. Was Anya just self-centered, under the impression that she knew Senor C's innermost thoughts and interests? Or was she reflecting a side of Senor C that we, as readers, don't get to see in their typing sessions together? This intrigued me and got me a bit more interested, especially during Anya's letter at the end. Overall, not bad, just very disjointed and difficult for me to keep interested in as a result.