I think that Douglas Coupland may well become one of my favorite authors. I've heard so much about him over the years but never got around to reading anything. When my good friend Amy recently moved away and was getting rid of a bunch of books, I snagged a copy of Girlfriend in a Coma and here I am, beginning my Coupland adventureThe girlfriend in the title is Karen, girlfriend to Richard. Karen and Richard have first-time sex one December evening and later that night Karen loses consciousness and goes into a coma that lasts 17 years. She eventually wakes up to a world she hardly recognises and tries to continue on as normal, until a strange sleeping disease kills all of the population except her and her circle of friends. Strange? Definitely. But oh so original and gripping!
It's hard to talk about the story without giving too much away, but let me tell you that every time I thought I knew what was going on, something even stranger happened. I was expecting a different kind of story, but I was not expecting a commentary on modern life. I loved how Karen perceived the new modern world when she woke up - with all the advances and technological improvements making things more efficient, but with the world's inhabitants more empty than ever, with no goals and no soul.
Lots of commentary on the meaning of time and what happens when we don't slow down and appreciate it too...
Are all of Coupland's books like this, I wonder? I can't wait to find out!
Challenges: Every Month is a Holiday (Canada Day!), What's in a Name
4 comments:
His others aren't very much like this, no. I usually love him but disliked this one a lot. Still, you might enjoy this and the rest of his stuff :)
I haven't read this one, but I love Coupland.
My favorites are Eleanor Rigby, Hey Nostradamus! and All Families are Psychotic.
He is such a compelling writer. I think all his books are different, but he has a recognizable style.
Still sad about Nymeth not liking this one...
Anyway, I loved this book and love a lot of his other ones. All Families are Psychotic was my first and I think it remains my favourite because it was my first. :)
Nymeth - I'm curious as to why you didn't like it - is it reviewed on your blog or did you read it a long time ago?
raidergirl - I'll check those out, I didn't know which ones to follow up with!
Kaliana - that's a double recommendation for this one, I'll have to get my hands on it now!
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