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mynameismarines's review against another edition
5.0
"Simple really," I said. "The heart does not grow back."
In that line, Venturini appropriately sums up his well-written, raw and character driven story.
I turned the last page feeling slightly depressed, but mostly impressed at Ventirini's seamless story telling and at his ability to illicit such a reaction from his readers.
It's amazing to me that a story that features limb regeneration could feel so true and so relate-able. His tone is always conversational, though his descriptions and observations are anything but simple.
The truth is that the story is about more than just its supernatural element. At its core, it is a story of friendship, loss, trauma, chaos, guilt, expectations and reality. It's about getting along when your heart is taken from you.
The friendship between Dale and Mack really helps the entire thing progress nicely. In other circumstances, in another story or perhaps apart from each other, Mack and Dale might be entirely unlikeable. Together, and in this story, they sell a story of an unlikely friendship, loyalty and love.
I truly enjoyed reading this story and would recommend it to those who don't flinch too easily. Venturini's descriptions can get a little graphic in places, though never gratuitously so. It fits the story.
Overall, Venturini uses a story of physical regeneration to explore tragedy and creates an honest, well written, dark, fast paced story that will leaving you thinking even after the last page.
In that line, Venturini appropriately sums up his well-written, raw and character driven story.
I turned the last page feeling slightly depressed, but mostly impressed at Ventirini's seamless story telling and at his ability to illicit such a reaction from his readers.
It's amazing to me that a story that features limb regeneration could feel so true and so relate-able. His tone is always conversational, though his descriptions and observations are anything but simple.
The truth is that the story is about more than just its supernatural element. At its core, it is a story of friendship, loss, trauma, chaos, guilt, expectations and reality. It's about getting along when your heart is taken from you.
The friendship between Dale and Mack really helps the entire thing progress nicely. In other circumstances, in another story or perhaps apart from each other, Mack and Dale might be entirely unlikeable. Together, and in this story, they sell a story of an unlikely friendship, loyalty and love.
I truly enjoyed reading this story and would recommend it to those who don't flinch too easily. Venturini's descriptions can get a little graphic in places, though never gratuitously so. It fits the story.
Overall, Venturini uses a story of physical regeneration to explore tragedy and creates an honest, well written, dark, fast paced story that will leaving you thinking even after the last page.
thewoodenfinch's review against another edition
2.0
This is a strong, original idea. The style just wasn't my thing. It reminds me a little too much of Palahniuk. This is not to imply that Venturini is copying him, or is being unoriginal. In fact, in a just world, Venturini would be the famous one. I think he's a better writer.
sazuka's review
1.0
I wanted to like this because the description sounded beautiful. But the characters fell flat (I still can't picture Mack or Raenna or any of the characters in my head) and the plot was so contrived, tackling "issues" (bullying, death of a friend, abusive relationships) but not addressing them in any way that was fresh or new or thereby truly heartfelt.
touko's review
1.0
I wanted to like this because the description sounded beautiful. But the characters fell flat (I still can't picture Mack or Raenna or any of the characters in my head) and the plot was so contrived, tackling "issues" (bullying, death of a friend, abusive relationships) but not addressing them in any way that was fresh or new or thereby truly heartfelt.
zoe_m's review
4.0
The Samaritan follows Dale Sampson, a complex but lovable protagonist, through his life full of love, commitment, loss, and perseverance. Dale struggles to make a positive impact on the world, hindered by his own shyness and traumatic past.
This book makes a big impact. It is gritty and nostalgic with dystopian overtones. It marries the best of entertainment and critical thought. It’s a mixture of Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment , Nancy Farmer’s House of the Scorpion, and something all its own.
If you enjoy discovering exciting new authors, consider reading the other books published by Blank Slate Press.
This book makes a big impact. It is gritty and nostalgic with dystopian overtones. It marries the best of entertainment and critical thought. It’s a mixture of Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment , Nancy Farmer’s House of the Scorpion, and something all its own.
If you enjoy discovering exciting new authors, consider reading the other books published by Blank Slate Press.
kellyherself's review
3.0
To be quite honest, I went into this book expecting not to like it. I read several reviews of this book and the more I contemplated the novel, the more I suspected it was not for me. I was wrong. I really enjoyed this book.
Venturini’s writing style was brutal in its honesty. His depictions of scenes were raw. I don’t know that I’ve ever read a book before that made me flinch. This author has definite talent. He evoked many different responses from me while I was reading this book.
A part of me really had trouble connecting to Dale. However, I genuinely cared about what happened to him. It was an odd mixture for me, because I generally either care about a character or I don’t. I went back and forth with Dale. Sometimes I was really frustrated with him and want to see some forward movement from him, and then other times I was totally touched by this amazing vulnerability that he possessed.
I thought the plot was quite unique. A person who can regenerate body parts, in a novel that is set in “reality?” Who wouldn’t find that completely intriguing?! Not only that, but Dale uses his “gift” to start a reality TV show! Completely and totally unique with regard to the plot.
My only criticism of this book would be that the beginning was very slow. It felt like it took too long to really get where we were going. I think some of Dale’s childhood could have been removed from the novel to help it flow better.
Overall, I liked this book. I would love to check out other works by Venturini, when and if he publishes them. I would like to point out that this is an adult novel, 100%. It is very graphic and disturbing in some parts. I would recommend it to any adult reader looking for something a bit different.
Venturini’s writing style was brutal in its honesty. His depictions of scenes were raw. I don’t know that I’ve ever read a book before that made me flinch. This author has definite talent. He evoked many different responses from me while I was reading this book.
A part of me really had trouble connecting to Dale. However, I genuinely cared about what happened to him. It was an odd mixture for me, because I generally either care about a character or I don’t. I went back and forth with Dale. Sometimes I was really frustrated with him and want to see some forward movement from him, and then other times I was totally touched by this amazing vulnerability that he possessed.
I thought the plot was quite unique. A person who can regenerate body parts, in a novel that is set in “reality?” Who wouldn’t find that completely intriguing?! Not only that, but Dale uses his “gift” to start a reality TV show! Completely and totally unique with regard to the plot.
My only criticism of this book would be that the beginning was very slow. It felt like it took too long to really get where we were going. I think some of Dale’s childhood could have been removed from the novel to help it flow better.
Overall, I liked this book. I would love to check out other works by Venturini, when and if he publishes them. I would like to point out that this is an adult novel, 100%. It is very graphic and disturbing in some parts. I would recommend it to any adult reader looking for something a bit different.
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