Disgrace by J.M. Coetzee (Book Review)

It was a long time ago that I read that book. Probably due to my love towards dogs and animals in general all the other interesting themes that you pointed out got lost in my memory. Thank you for the great review.

I can not watch or read about cruelty to animals😢. Very much opposed to hunting as well.

Hi Helen. Over a period of several years I've read all of JM Coetzee's fiction (with the exception of his most recent collection The Pole, which is due in to our local library soon). It's been quite a while since I read Disgrace, so your review really helped to bring it back to me. I agree that his books are very readable and also fully endorse the need to be prepared for what you're getting into. I find his work really compelling despite the dark territory he often explores. As far as I can recall, every protagonist he conjures up is presented with a myriad of flaws in their character - David is no exception to this rule. With regard to your considerate warning for potential readers in relation to animal cruelty, I think it's worth mentioning that Coetzee himself is totally opposed to the mistreatment of animals and has been for many years, so there is nothing gratuitous in this department in the book. It's an example of the unflinching nature of his writing. Finally, for all I've got from his fiction, my favourite books by Coetzee are his fictionalised autobiographical trilogy, Boyhood, Youth and Summertime and I would highly recommend these, though with similar caveats and warnings that you mention in your review here. Thanks for another great video!

Wow, another one of my favourite books!

This was the last book I read last year of 70 books..brilliant...I would read his shopping lists..best for me was Youth

Helen, your description of this story brought it all back to me. It’s so brilliantly written and what an unlikable character!

I cannot believe I have gone this long (51 years) without reading Coetzee. I do plan to pick something up by him this year. Another great review!

Thank you so much for this book review, you are amazing at summarising and providing all the different nuances to the story, though it wouldn’t be something I would normally grab, I’m intrigued to look out for it. Thank you for widening my reading circle 😍😍

All these years, of all the many books I bought, there are less than 10 fictions. Most are non-fictions (personal development). Watching your video made me realize there are so many lessons we can learn from fictions/novels.

Trigger alerts. Interesting that there is a trigger for cruelty to animals (dogs) but for cruelty to other humans such as rape (multiple instances) and extreme violence.

I enjoyed your review. Thanks. I’m trying to read all the booker prize books

I would definitely also recommend that you should consider Eben Venter and Marlene van Niekerk.