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elizabethgreads's review
dark
funny
informative
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
The pacing of this book was phenomenal and I loved how different each of the characters felt. The premise of the novel was great and I loved the exploration of modern racism particularly in the way it is still present in much of the south. The humor the author uses makes the conversation and subject matter easy to digest. The first half of the novel was great.
However the second half of the book went way off the tracks for me. There was a bit of magical realism that didn't really suit the story and unnecessary appearance of public political figures that pulled you out of the story. And while I realize the this book was a piece of satire those moments took away from the power moments of the first half of the book. The main mystery was solved but all of the subsequent mystery were not tied up. I also feel like there was a big opportunity to talk about wether revenge solves any problems or just feels right in the moment.
All that being said while I didn't love the book I do think it would make for a great book club book as there is so much to discuss and the first half of the book makes me want to try another book from Percival Everett.
However the second half of the book went way off the tracks for me. There was a bit of magical realism that didn't really suit the story and unnecessary appearance of public political figures that pulled you out of the story. And while I realize the this book was a piece of satire those moments took away from the power moments of the first half of the book. The main mystery was solved but all of the subsequent mystery were not tied up. I also feel like there was a big opportunity to talk about wether revenge solves any problems or just feels right in the moment.
All that being said while I didn't love the book I do think it would make for a great book club book as there is so much to discuss and the first half of the book makes me want to try another book from Percival Everett.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Racism, and Racial slurs
Moderate: Genocide
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