Ship of Fools by Katherine Anne Porter
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Book Reviews of Ship of Fools
Book Review: Closely Observed; A Superior Work
Summary: 5 Stars
Less a plot-driven novel than a closely observed portrait, Porter's famous novel deftly exploits the author's ability to focus on the telling details of personality--and the result is a sometimes funny, often touching, and ultimately stinging examination of the insularity, hypocrisies, and pretensions of shipboard passengers en route from Mexico to Germany on the eve of World War II.Porter's cast of characters are primarily German, but a handful of Spanish, Mexican, Swiss, and American characters give the novel an international perspective. Whatever their individual backgrounds, the characters tend to adopt reactionary postures toward and make assumptions about their fellow travelers based on both class and nationality; consequently, they tend to regard each other in a stereotypical light--but even as they fail to understand the truths behind the stereotypes, Porter highlights their lack of comprehension in a frequently comic but extremely disconcerting manner, thus demonstrating that her characters are at sea in more ways than one.
There is obviously a certain symbolism to the novel, but Porter does not belabor it, and we are free to decide if we wish to read for pure pleasure or for deeper meanings. Fortunately, there is an abundance of both. Still, this not a novel to read quickly or casually. It requires time to develop clearly in the mind, so readers are advised to approach it with ample time in which to enjoy this superior work.
Book Review: i adore this book
Summary: 5 Stars
'Ship of Fools' is the kind of novel that makes the whole thing seem easy. It's the kind of novel that makes you wonder how and why so many people have gotten it wrong. Enough with plot buildup, plot developement, plot twists! Katherine Anne Porter knows the truth about plots and it's this: you don't really need them. All you need are a handful of meticulously human characters interacting with each other. Each character seems molded by hand, and each is relatable, lovable, and hatable in their own way, much like the people in our own lives. I really cannot say enough how much I love this book. When you're done with it, check out KAP's short story collection 'Pale Horse, Pale Rider.' She is truly one of our great twentieth century writers, and should be taught in school right next to Hemingway and Fitzgerald, or preferably on top of them.Book Review: This Book Will Grow On You
Summary: 5 Stars
Ship Of Fools is a bone chilling account of a world moving into the second world war. Those seeking to get inside the German frame of mind should read this book for it predicts(the book was written before the concentration camps were even discovered)the horrowing images of German hate toward the Jewish Religon. Through all the hate and "Proud German Order" Porter asks us to perform a difficult task; to find love or forever be lost on a ship of fools.Book Review: A Writer's Writer
Summary: 5 Stars
I stumbled across this by novel by accident only to discover that this must be one the 10 greatest works of fiction! While a darkish portrayal of the human condition, and man's inability to escape the pettiness of mankind, this is a very clever novel that entertains while thrusting more truth your way than you may be prepared to accept.Book Review: Which One Do You Get?
Summary: 5 Stars
I love this book and have read it a few times....that's why I give it 5 stars. I give amazon 1 star because they show a cover and send you a different cover. I want the blue cover and they send the stupid red cover with flowers on it. I have no idea why they advertise one thing and send you a different thing.
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