A riotous, hilarious, soul-searching romp through the 20th century with THE icon of American literature in his unique wit, insight and perspective, as relevant today as they were a hundred years ago. What would Twain say if he were here today? Well, let's put the matter to rest. If you're a Twain fan you'll love it. If not, you will be. "Let not the tongue of idle cavilers dissuade"
My Take:
I have to say, I was totally put off by the main character in this story to the point of total distraction from just about all other aspects of the book. His arrogance and "know it all-ness" was excruciating. I don't know if I've ever rolled my eyes more in my life! I am not sure the eye rolling came more from him generalizing an entire country by claiming all of Japan's culture as arrogant because some of the people believe McDonalds started there. Or maybe it was calling the assumed "illegal" at the Burger King "Senorita Green Card Nada", and looking down on her when he has no right to judge, as he is a weed dealer for Heaven's sake, I think he might want to tone down throwing around the word "illegal". Or maybe it was his overall mockery of anyone or anything with beliefs other than his own. Funny enough, my biggest piece of entertainment while reading this book, was the laugh I got as I happened to be enjoying a particularly delicious Buck Double from Burger King during his pages long tirade of how revolting fast food is and how low a person must be to even consider eating "corporate food". The saving graces of this book are the intriguing concept, the fact that Mark Twain is modern times loves Bill Cosby ( a personal favorite of mine), and lastly, I did enjoy reading the things Mark Twain would say if he got to visit out present day. But overall, I was just too distracted by the totally off putting main character to enjoy Twain. I'm sorry to say, but The Twain Shall Meet, gets a big ol' 5, Don't Even Bother.
Do you agree with my review? Do you think I'm totally off base? Either way I'd love to hear from you, be sure to leave a comment and tell me how you feel!
***FTC Disclosure: This book was provided in exchange for an honest review, no other compensation was given, all opinions are my own***
If you are interested in purchasing The Twain Shall Meet, please consider supporting The Book Buff by purchasing from the following Amazon link, thank you!
8 comments:
Being a huge fan of Mark Twain, I didn't really pay much attention to the narrator, but to how Twain was presented. For that, I think the author did a good job. Too bad the narrator put you off from enjoying Twain's take on the modern age.
It really just put a horrible taste in my mouth and ruined the whole thing :( I'm glad you enjoyed it :)
Great review, I'd like to check this book out.
P.S. I gave you an award on my blog, check it out!
Ah, I can't remember when I last took the time to read a novel, it is a nice way to relax! Thanks for the lovely welcome to the MBC, your right it is a little overwhelming but Im sure I will get the hang of it...everyone is so welcoming!!!
Cheers
I'm not sure how much Twain you've read, but it sounds to me that the author nailed him perfectly. Perhaps it would have been better if you had read Twain's Innocents Abroad before tackling this book - I'm afraid the author may have made it more of an inside joke for Twain fans than an accessible work for everyone. Nice review, though - I'm now a follower :)
I have read everything Twain has ever written, it wasn't his Twain portrayal that was bad, but the main character escorting Twain around our time. He was a distractingly awful character. His portrayal of Twain was fine, I am a huge Twain fan, so that was the best aspect.
jeez Buff, just because I didn't return your phone calls...
?...
Post a Comment