'Not Wanted on the Voyage' by Timothy Findley is a retelling of the story of Noah and the Flood, set in a parallel universe where the characters are portrayed in a dysfunctional and human-like manner. The novel explores themes of family dynamics, power struggles, and the fragility of relationships amidst a world filled with talking animals, angels, and magical realism. Findley's writing style is described as thought-provoking, entertaining, and imaginative, offering a unique perspective on a well-known biblical tale.

Characters:

The characters are well-drawn and complex, with Noah depicted as a tyrannical patriarch while Mrs. Noyes emerges as a strong figure amid family dysfunction.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is imaginative and irreverent, blending magical realism with a straightforward narrative that includes psychological depth and social critique.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot presents a twisted retelling of Noah's Ark, focusing on themes of brutality, family dysfunction, and feminism, with a powerful exploration of what is lost and gained during the flood.

Setting:

The setting presents a fantastical reinterpretation of Noah's Ark in a pre-apocalyptic world rich with magical realism.

Pacing:

The pacing is fast and action-driven, yet occasionally slows for deeper philosophical reflections, creating an emotionally challenging read.

Notes:

The book is a retelling of the biblical Noah's Ark story.

God in this version is portrayed as tired and disillusioned.

Noah is depicted as an authoritarian and brutal character.

The story explores the role of women in society through the wives of Noah's sons.

Findley's novel includes themes of feminism and highlights injustice.

The characters, including animals and mythical beings, add a fantastical element to the narrative.

Brutality and psychological themes are prominent throughout the story.

Findley incorporates historical and philosophical elements alongside magical realism.

The book examines the morality of following authority without question.

The narrative shifts perspectives, including that of Noah's cat, Mottyl.

It's noted for its dark and sometimes disturbing content, including notable scenes involving unicorns.

Findley's style has been described as imaginative and irreverent, with a critique of religious narratives.

The book has been both praised and criticized for its heavy themes and complex character portraits.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The content warnings for Not Wanted on the Voyage are high, due to themes of abuse, violence, emotional and physical trauma, and a disturbing depiction of events involving creatures.

From The Publisher:

Not Wanted on the Voyage is the story of the great flood and the first time the world ended, filed with an extraordinary cast of remarkable characters.

With pathos and pageantry, desperation and hope, magic and mythology, this acclaimed novel weaves its unforgettable spell.

Ratings (2)

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Loved It (1)

Reader Stats (4):

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1 comment(s)

ehanut203

Loved It

5 months

why didn't anybody tell me about this book

or this author

what is wrong with everyone

if you haven't read this, please stop what you're doing and read it

a magical realism retelling of noah's ark with an eco-feminist bent? YES PLEASE

so sad, and lyrical, and insane in the way of abraham and isaac, and beautiful and i love my cat so much i will never let her die

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Not Wanted on the Voyage

Timothy Findley