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erikbergstrom's review
5.0
I always know a Richard Thomas story when I see one. His writing is unique, explorative, both classic and modern in how much he writes like a storyteller revealing secrets and surprises one at a time, and is filled with as much wonder and fear as the reader when he comes across them.
That said, Disintegration knocked me sideways. Even though I saw it described as neo-noir, the bleakness of it stuck with me, almost like the smells and grime of Chicago needed to be washed off every time I read it. Any time a book is set mostly at night, there's an extra layer of claustrophobia that sets in. Here, it's almost unbearable at times. You can feel things closing in on the narrator as the book progresses, and you better believe he doesn't take the easy way out on any of his choices.
Disintegration is not for the faint of heart, but it is for a reader who feeds off suspense like it's a food that never fills the pit in their stomach, so they keep going back for more. You may be able to make it through if you're careful, but you won't be the same after.
That said, Disintegration knocked me sideways. Even though I saw it described as neo-noir, the bleakness of it stuck with me, almost like the smells and grime of Chicago needed to be washed off every time I read it. Any time a book is set mostly at night, there's an extra layer of claustrophobia that sets in. Here, it's almost unbearable at times. You can feel things closing in on the narrator as the book progresses, and you better believe he doesn't take the easy way out on any of his choices.
Disintegration is not for the faint of heart, but it is for a reader who feeds off suspense like it's a food that never fills the pit in their stomach, so they keep going back for more. You may be able to make it through if you're careful, but you won't be the same after.
babsduff's review
4.0
A great noir novel with an ending that surprised me--it's a paranoid, dark, tough book about control and self-concept. Atmospheric and well-crafted.
lizreadslots's review
1.0
This was very much not the book for me. I tried to read this years ago and ended up putting it down a little past halfway. I had actually remembered some scenes very well so I can’t deny that the writing manages to successfully convey its intended emotion and imagery.
This was very obviously a book written by a man — literally almost every woman our main character comes in contact with initiates some sort of sexual contact with him. And some of the descriptions of women and how they act was major eye roll material.
This was very obviously a book written by a man — literally almost every woman our main character comes in contact with initiates some sort of sexual contact with him. And some of the descriptions of women and how they act was major eye roll material.
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