There are very, very few books that I would deem “not worth consuming.” Even books which I know are poorly written but have engaging characters and/or plot merit a “worth consuming!” from me. I love reading, and a book does not need to be profound or qualify as great literature to be worthwhile.

That said, I feel that Disgrace was a waste of my time. The writing was hauntingly beautiful, the only really enjoyable part of the book. I had absolutely no sympathy for the protagonist; instead, like his daughter, I was irritated by pretty much everything he said and did. His self-righteous internal dialogue simply justified actions which he knew were unreasonable. I can see the message and how this character adds to it; I just don’t think it’s worth suffering the experience of his personality to get there.

This is the first of J.M. Coetzee’s books that I have read, and because of the skill of his craft and beautiful language, I have high hopes for the others. I simply hope that they lack Disgrace’s infuriating protagonist.