This is certainly not the definition with which Jim Crace is working in his novel of the same title: Arcadia. Rather, his theme focuses on the corruptive nature of cities in opposition to the rustic life that country settings provide. In the book's second half, the building of "Arcadia", what is supposed to be a modernized country-style market, only causes destruction and grief. His themes show clearly in his characters, who all carry some sort of burden as a result of their city-inspired ambitions.
His plot is not a fast paced one, nor is it particularly imaginative. The true gem in Crace's writing, here, is his imagery. He truly is a painter with words, making his descriptions wonderful to read. Reading the novel, I felt that I was seeing exactly what Crace, as an author, wanted me to see. While some might find that limiting, I am of the opinion that it serves to enhance his theme. A division between two alternatives cannot be completely understood if one does not have a clear picture of the two alternatives in and of themselves.
Crace does a wonderful job with a fairly slow-moving plot line, keeping the reader interested in the setting more than the action. Definitely worth the read; I'm giving it a B.
61 down, 940 to go!
"There is no remedy for death - or birth - except to hug the spaces in between. Live loud. Live wide. Live tall." (Jim Crace)
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