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3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
A Dick-esque, Palahnukian, Lynchian nightmare that's funny is the best way I can think to describe this.
Kelso is a Scottish writer I have become aware of in recent times and this was my first foray into his work. There are sure to be more after this loose collection of tales based in the same cities where The Black Dog is infecting the many denizens.
It's full of satire, horrific imagery and character's sleep-walking to their inevitable doom at the hands of a system that cannot be stopped. Well worth the time and I look forward to checking out more from Kelso.
Kelso is a Scottish writer I have become aware of in recent times and this was my first foray into his work. There are sure to be more after this loose collection of tales based in the same cities where The Black Dog is infecting the many denizens.
It's full of satire, horrific imagery and character's sleep-walking to their inevitable doom at the hands of a system that cannot be stopped. Well worth the time and I look forward to checking out more from Kelso.
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Chris Kelso is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors. This book is simply brilliant! But be warned it is NOT for the faint of heart - this is some dark stuff.
It’ll also blow your head off. In a good way. Or maybe in a bad but meaningful way. One way or another your head is coming off. The brain-fuckery at work here makes me feel like I’m reading a 21st century Philip K. Dick.
It’ll also blow your head off. In a good way. Or maybe in a bad but meaningful way. One way or another your head is coming off. The brain-fuckery at work here makes me feel like I’m reading a 21st century Philip K. Dick.
The story begins in the Slave State, in Wire City, the cell-block apartment of Lester Proctor and his family to be precise. After his wife and children succumb to "the Black Dog" and die, Lester begins a quest to find the mysterious cure, something that will rid his world of the black dog. I felt that, given the way the black dog is described, consuming it's victims and covering everything in a black shroud, it was a metaphor for depression. And the inhabitants of the Slave State certainly have enough to be depressed about! Yet, Kelso manages to make the story very entertaining, no doubt his masterful ability at creating colourful characters has something to do with it. Lester meets more than his fair share of loons and headcases on his quest. The author intersperses Lester's story with brief glimpses into the lives of others affected by the black dog, including two robot replicas (immitants) of the same man who seek love with each other, and bums Kricfalusi and Baby Guts. More than just a wacky road trip story, "The Black Dog..." also manages to say some very deep and very moving things regarding depression and the effect it can have on anyone at any time. But the author never dwells on the morbid for too long. You wouldn't last long in the Slave State if you did!
Two things are always guaranteed when you read a Chris Kelso book; you never know where this unique author is going to take you, and you know that, wherever it is, you are going to have a lot of fun along the way.
Two things are always guaranteed when you read a Chris Kelso book; you never know where this unique author is going to take you, and you know that, wherever it is, you are going to have a lot of fun along the way.
The story begins in the Slave State, in Wire City, the cell-block apartment of Lester Proctor and his family to be precise. After his wife and children succumb to "the Black Dog" and die, Lester begins a quest to find the mysterious cure, something that will rid his world of the black dog. I felt that, given the way the black dog is described, consuming it's victims and covering everything in a black shroud, it was a metaphor for depression. And the inhabitants of the Slave State certainly have enough to be depressed about! Yet, Kelso manages to make the story very entertaining, no doubt his masterful ability at creating colourful characters has something to do with it. Lester meets more than his fair share of loons and headcases on his quest. The author intersperses Lester's story with brief glimpses into the lives of others affected by the black dog, including two robot replicas (immitants) of the same man who seek love with each other, and bums Kricfalusi and Baby Guts. More than just a wacky road trip story, "The Black Dog..." also manages to say some very deep and very moving things regarding depression and the effect it can have on anyone at any time. But the author never dwells on the morbid for too long. You wouldn't last long in the Slave State if you did!
Two things are always guaranteed when you read a Chris Kelso book; you never know where this unique author is going to take you, and you know that, wherever it is, you are going to have a lot of fun along the way.
Two things are always guaranteed when you read a Chris Kelso book; you never know where this unique author is going to take you, and you know that, wherever it is, you are going to have a lot of fun along the way.