I just finished it and was honestly very impressed by it. The plot itself was captivating, the philosophical parts were interesting and some scenes like the Seidevarre or the WW2 tale were absolutely phenomenal. However, I don't know if I really get it, specially the ending. (spoilers ahead, obviously). I think that the main theme of the book is about the idea of God and free will. Neuve Chapelle and the WW2 tale are two examples of the freedom of the man to act against moral values that are equivalent to the idea of God. Conchis acts like a God in his island, but certainly never forces Nicholas to do anything, except for the final judgment. He always comes back because he wants to. In the end, when everything is explained, I think that the final objective of the experiment is about the nature of love, fidelity, relationships, etc. and Nicholas rejects that idea of Conchis and Lily to return to the classical patriarchal relationship between him and Alison, that finally materializes when he slaps her. Exercising, thus, the final act of freedom or "eleutheria".I dont really know if my interpretation is quite correct and obviously it has many, many layers and can be interpreted in many other ways. Nonetheless, I'd be interested to hear your opinions on the book. Thanks!
>>25188342Interesting insights, although I didn't enjoy the book as much as you. I thought it turned into a navel-gazing exercise for the author, and there were far too many plot twists for its own good.What struck me most were the parallels with the legend of Orpheus. The protagonist's name is a big hint (I think someone calls him "Orfe" by mistake at one point.) He goes through hell (figuratively rather than literally) to get his lover back, only to lose her in a rash moment at the end.
>>25188342It's not as good as "Collector" by the same author
