Ergo Ego

The story of Oedipus Rex is a story of ego.  Maybe the story of any king is the story of ego.  Certainly this retelling is overflowing with ego from pretty much every character that crosses the page. I can't think of a single act of humility in the entire book.

Hubris, right?  That's the word I remember from reading ancient literature.  Who are humans to challenge the gods?  Or maybe more accurately, watch as the humans challenge the gods and get smushed.  As all single moral lessons do, it gets old.  You've heard it once, you've heard it a million times - no matter how true or relevant it is.

So it is with this book.  I've heard it before.  I know it's a rewrite of a classic and so obviously we know the main character is going to sleep with his mother.  I know he's going to kill his father - that's a given.  It's just that the theme is... well... a bit tired.  I'm never drawn in as a reader to care much for any of the characters.  They are all jerks who kind of get what they deserve - so who cares?

Maybe it's the length of the thing.  Oedipus was an egoistic jerk and Jocasta was kind of a twit but because it was a play the whole thing was sad.  Ed is a jerk and (his mother) Dianne is a twit but it's a full length novel and... yawn.

Yes the world is full of jerks.  Yes ego will lead you to ruin.  Done and done.  Avoid the jerks, tune down your ego and read the original.