Creation: A Novel (Vintage International)

by Gore Vidal
Creation: A Novel (Vintage International) cover
Good Books rating 3.38
Technical
  • ID: 5345
  • Added: 2025-10-23
  • Updated: 2025-10-23
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
abebooks.co.uk · Unknown · 2025-10-24
intriguing 4.00

The book offers a thought-provoking exploration of human nature and the complexities of relationships. Its unconventional narrative style challenges readers to question societal norms and personal values.

Creation by Gore Vidal is a novel that delves deep into the intricacies of human relationships and the nature of creativity. The story, set in the 19th century, follows the life of a fictional character who grapples with love, ambition, and the search for meaning. Vidal's writing is sharp and insightful, offering a critique of Victorian society and the constraints placed on individuals. The novel's exploration of identity and self-discovery resonates with modern readers, making it a timeless piece. The author's ability to weave historical events with personal narratives creates a rich tapestry that is both engaging and thought-provoking. The book's themes of power, desire, and the human condition are presented in a way that invites readers to reflect on their own lives and the societal structures that shape them.

Quick quotes

    The past is never dead. It's not even past.

    We are all prisoners of our own making.

    The truth is often stranger than fiction, but fiction is often more truthful.

desertcart.in · Unknown · 2025-10-24
disappointing 2.50

The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck by Mark Manson offers a counterintuitive approach to living a good life, challenging modern society's focus on materialism and positivity. While the book has some valid points about values and personal responsibility, the author's bratty writing style and cavalier examples detract from the message.

The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck by Mark Manson presents a counterintuitive approach to living a good life, reacting to the problems he sees in the self-help industry. Manson discusses the importance of non-superficial values and challenges modern society's focus on materialism and the pursuit of positivity. However, his writing style comes across as bratty, and some of his examples are cavalier, which detracts from the overall message. The book has some valid points about values and personal responsibility, but it also falls short in several areas. For instance, the idea of 'don't try' is not universally applicable, and the criticism of 'victimhood chic' minimizes real victims of abuse. The author's personal anecdotes and communication style also raise questions about his own entitlement and lack of consideration for others' feelings.

Quick quotes

    The ticket to emotional health, like that to physical health, comes from eating your veggies — that is, accepting the bland and mundane truths of life...

    The subtle art of not giving a f*ck is to stare down life’s most terrifying and difficult challenges and still take action.

    The author believes that entitled people exude a 'delusional degree of self-confidence' and operate within a 'narcissistic bubble'.

imusic.no · Unknown · 2025-10-24
thought-provoking 4.00

The review highlights Gore Vidal's Creation as a historical novel that blends fiction with historical figures and events, offering a unique perspective on ancient civilizations. The reviewer appreciates the novel's intellectual depth and Vidal's ability to weave together complex themes and characters.

Creation by Gore Vidal is a historical novel that stands out for its ambitious scope and intellectual depth. The story follows a Persian scribe who travels through ancient civilizations, encountering historical figures like Confucius, Buddha, and Socrates. The reviewer admires Vidal's ability to blend fiction with historical events, creating a rich tapestry of ancient cultures and philosophies. The novel's exploration of themes like power, religion, and human nature is particularly noteworthy. However, the reviewer notes that the novel's dense narrative and philosophical discussions may not appeal to all readers, especially those looking for a more straightforward historical fiction experience. Overall, the reviewer finds Creation to be a thought-provoking and intellectually stimulating read that offers a unique perspective on ancient history.

Quick quotes

    The novel's blend of fiction and historical figures is both ambitious and intriguing.

    Vidal's exploration of ancient civilizations and philosophies is both insightful and thought-provoking.

    The dense narrative and philosophical discussions may not appeal to all readers.

textspace.net · Unknown · 2023-08-01
mixed 3.00

The reviewer found the book to be witty and well-articulated, with solid points about prioritizing emotional energy and accepting reality. However, they noted some contradictions and offensive content, particularly towards women.

The reviewer appreciated the book's straightforward and humorous approach to self-improvement. They found the points about prioritizing where to invest emotional energy and accepting reality to be well-articulated and thought-provoking. The book's conversational style and personal anecdotes made it engaging, although the reviewer noted some contradictions and offensive content, particularly towards women. The book's emphasis on not giving a 'fuck' about trivial matters resonated with the reviewer, but they also felt that the author's self-aggrandizement and repetitive references to his past behavior were unnecessary. Overall, the reviewer found the book to have valuable insights but acknowledged its flaws.

Quick quotes

    The desire for more positive experience is itself a negative experience. And, paradoxically, the acceptance of one’s negative experience is itself a positive experience.

    Self-improvement and success often occur together. But that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re the same thing.

    The world is constantly telling you that the path to a better life is more, more, more — buy more, own more, make more, fuck more, be more.

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