736. The Life and Times of Michael K

The Life and Times of Michael K

J.M. Coetzee
1983
Around 200 pages

We have a clear reference to Kafka in the title, so we already know our protagonist is in for a thankless and grueling experience. Poor Michael really can't catch a break.

Michael K has a cleft lip and works as a gardener in Cape Town. He is the caretaker for his mother and wants to return her to her birthplace while she is still alive, which is difficult because he can't obtain proper permits to leave the city. It's pretty much one struggle after the other for Michael.

I always appreciate it when main characters have some kind of perceived physical defect. We can really tell a lot about humanity by how others react to that character because of their flaws. And in this instance, Coetzee uses Michael K to show how marginalized communities are treated without constantly bringing up race. 

So I wouldn't say I've enjoyed any of his novels yet, but I'm admiring his skill as a social commentator more and more.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

Won the Booker Prize in 1983.

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