[Book] Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton
Book & Audiobook Review
Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton
Book & Audiobook Review:
I listened to Birnam Wood on Audible. This thriller revolves around a billionaire who devises schemes to get richer by exploiting an activist gardening collective in New Zealand, as well as a recently knighted businessman and his seemingly angelic wife. Add in a journalist, some sex, and drugs, and you've got a modern, multifaceted plot.
The writing style is very contemporary, with pervasive technology and modern political themes woven throughout. However, I couldn’t help but notice that despite all the tech, no one seemed to have a phone charger. The plot took a while to build momentum, but once it did, I was quite intrigued. Unfortunately, the ending was a major letdown.
I struggled to connect with the characters—none were particularly compelling or easy to root for. The villain was indeed a villain, but the other characters were so deeply flawed that they didn't fit the hero mold. On the positive side, the novel explores themes of moral ambiguity, contrasting well-intentioned acts with those driven by greed. It challenges the simplistic black-and-white narratives of good and evil prevalent today.
While the book isn’t perfect, it offers a thought-provoking take on modern issues and is worth a listen for its thematic exploration.
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