This book was pretty different from anything I've read in awhile. I think it would be a really good read for a book group as there is a lot in it that could be discussed. In fact, I think it is almost hard to grasp its entirety without really taking the time to analyze it. Yes you can just read it through and take it for what it is worth but I think that would be cheating it of a lot of its meaning. There is a reason that Coetzee writes this story in the way that he does.

It is also a strange reality because though it is a fiction book there are places in it where Coetzee refers to true life, where Senior C becomes Juan and refers to titles such as Waiting for the Barbarians, a book that Coetzee wrote. I think it is meant to keep you in this limbo of not quite knowing whether the things said are truly what the author thinks or whether they are a fictitious representation of a character that he created.

The story itself is quite simple but it is stretched out with a series of essays that Senior C is writing. Strong Opinions. Through his involvement with Anya he eventually writes less about politics and beliefs and more about feelings and ideas.

Layers, lots and lots of layers. That is what this novel has. I would suggest reading it when you have other people to discuss it with. Because like I said, there is a lot that can be digested.