J. G. Ballard: Concrete island. (1974, Cape)
English language
Published Nov. 8, 1974 by Cape.
The novel equivalent of Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, with almost a little Jung or Commedia Dell’Arte for good measure. The 70s were grimy and druggy, yes, but also filled with archetypes.
The novel counterpart to Beckett’s Waiting for Godot
Such a fascinating premise squandered away on a very mediocre execution. This is a relatively short book, yet still somehow felt like a drag. Disappointment is the only word that comes to mind.
Robert Maitland crashes his car, and is trapped in the area where multiple highways intersect. I initially found myself thinking of various ways he could have signaled for help. But perhaps he doesn't really want to escape. Not the best of Ballard's works, but still a very good read. It continues on Ballard's favorite themes, man's relationship with the technological world, and his psychological interaction in that world.
