Book Review on Alan Moore’s Jerusalem
There are many books out there that are some good reads. Some are long, some are short, and some are just right. Jerusalem, by Alan Moore, is a 1,300 page book and weighs about the same as a small cat. It is even longer than the Bible. Considering this over 600,000 word book, one might say “Not reading this book.” You would be mistaken then. Yeah some readers might use the valuable skill of “skimming” or “skipping,” but that too would be a mistake. This book is a world full of creativeness and is worth the hours, days, and weeks spent on it.
The setting is in Northampton, England but spans across a thousand years. In this book, it focusses on the other side of Northampton where it is better to keep the money one has, more than spending it on stupid things because once you spend, you start asking for charity from others. Alma Warren is just 5 years old when first mentioned in the book. In the world she lives in now, the language is more gibberish than English but nonetheless a dying language. Alma and her family act as guides throughout the book to give us many perspectives. The perspectives go from artists to angels, and from politicians to prostitutes. In the book, demons lurk and angels are present. There is talking in St. Paul’s Cathedral, a couple sitting and talking on the steps of a Gothic church, and an infant choking for more than ten chapters. Strange? Maybe. A must read? YES.
People are saying many things about the book: that it is huge, it is a must read, and it is just a brilliant creative masterpiece. Some say that Moore is a combination of James Michener, Charles Dickens, and Stephen King. That is a dynamite mixture of creativeness and cleverness.
“In as much as anyone ever has to read anything, you have to read 'Jerusalem.’” -Jason Sheehan
The only problem with the book is the language. Everything is said at least twice in the book. This is good in the case that it keeps key facts or characters fresh in your mind, but also repeating too much can bore a reader. Not only because of that but it is hard to understand the speaking of the characters in the book. Also, in one section the book is under the perspective of a prostitute who mistakes expletives with authenticity. She used 37 expletives in one page. While the book lacks in language, it rises above the curve in everything else.
The details of the book are so imaginative and give the reader a feel that they are actually part of the book. What makes Moore’s writings so good is that he puts so much detail into everything so that readers feel involved in the book. That is why there are over 600,000 words in about 1,300 pages.
So, I conclude saying that Jerusalem, by Alan Moore, is a must read book and the time spent on this book will be worth your while.