Reviews

Overall, another great entry to the southern gothic/neo-noir/misery porn subgenres, with Pollock's writing style getting me through some of the soggier parts. There's a very strong start to this, followed by some meandering (and quite a bit of the unforgivable head-hopping) as the characters continue to dig their pits to hell. Then a very strong end! I will be interested in reading more of Pollock's Knockemstiff stories, but maybe after a cleansing break to find God again.

flamingokrysten's review against another edition

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4.0

This book isn’t one of those feel good types that you can feel satisfied and content after reading. This book is rough and raw, it’s ugly and gritty, but so worth the read.

I thoroughly appreciated the detailed and thoughtful way in which each character, even just a passing character, was written. The way in which even the most minor character got at least a page about them and it was just enough to understand who they were (despite the fact that no character was truly minor and they all played a big role in the plot).

The writing is very simple and fast, but the author packs a lot of detail and imagery into each sentence, no matter how simple. I could completely visualize everyone and everything.

I did not appreciate the way in which women were discussed in this book and, if I had it my way, that would’ve been different. This being said, even though I found the way in which women were talked about as disgusting, it was needed for the most part. Some parts I think were just there to be there, but I think a lot of it added to the uncomfortable and rough atmosphere and tone.

I would also argue that Charlotte and Emma were the only ones not described in a sexual or objectified manner and I think that’s significant, especially when compared to how Sandy was talked about. I think that plays into how they were all viewed by everyone else around them. Emma and Charlotte were often described by the narrator, as well as viewed by Arvin and Willard, in a loving and almost angelic way. While Sandy was viewed exclusively by her sex, usefulness, and how that could benefit everyone else. Just something to think about, I guess.

Lastly, I liked how everything came full circle in the end. How everyone was connected in the beginning and the end. While I don’t feel that satisfaction I normally feel when reading a lighter more “feel good” story, the interconnected characters and storyline brought a great sense of completeness and closure.

I really enjoyed this book and, as I watched the movie first, added a lot of needed context and backstory.

wndrbread's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

lewisathome's review against another edition

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dark medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

Do you enjoy having access to the disturbing inner thoughts of an entire cast of thoroughly unlikeable characters? Do you hate character growth? Do you like books with very little plot for the first two thirds of the story? This may be for you.

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