1000. Slow Man

Slow Man
J.M. Coetzee
2005

Around 270 pages

We are finally done with J.M. Coetzee, and like John Banville, he is finishing on his strongest work, so good for him. He's tied for most represented novels on this List, and the consistent quality of his stories meant I never resented him for it. Here's the official ranking:

1. Slow Man

2. Waiting for the Barbarians

3. Elizabeth Costello

4. Foe

5. In the Heart of the Country

6. The Life and Times of Michael K

7. Disgrace

8. Dusklands

9. The Master of St. Petersburg

10. Youth

If I were crowned Queen of the List, which at this point I really should be, I would probably nix the bottom half of this List in favor of representing more authors, but that's just me. But Slow Man is essential reading.

Paul Rayment loses part of his leg in a bicycle accident, and must adjust to his new life. He has a series of nurses but doesn't connect with any until Marijana. Elizabeth Costello also makes an appearance, which is fun; I always love it when authors create their own universes.

Like many of his works, this explores the relationship between an author and his characters. At some point in our lives we will all be a "patient" and I found Paul's feelings and loneliness relatable. Coetzee had already solidified himself as one of the greats, but this novel clinches it.

RATING: *****

Interesting Facts:

Coetzee's first novel since winning the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2003.

Adapted into opera in 2012.

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