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lovelymisanthrope's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I received a copy of this book as a gift.
"Bone in the Throat" is the debut novel from Anthony Bourdain. Tommy Pagana wants nothing more than to make a name for himself as a chef, and with his passion and talent he thinks he should be able to. Unfortunately, fame will have to wait as he works his way up in the kitchens of New York City, and Tommy takes a position working in his uncle's kitchen. Shockingly, Tommy is witness to a brutal murder in the restaurant, and now he must decide if he should turn his uncle in and risk his own life or keep his mouth shut and possibly be blamed for the crime.
I thought this was a well written book that was entertaining and will appeal to those who like true crime books in the vein of "Law & Order". Although this is not my typical type of story, I can objectively appreciate its complexities and intrigue. I also did not anticipate what the characters were going to decide to do next, which made the experience more fun.
This type of story is interesting because the reader knows from the beginning who murdered who, and the reader is just waiting for the rest of the characters to catch up and reveal what they know. My heart went out to Tommy because he was truly in the wrong place at the wrong time, and he battled with himself about what to do. Crossing his uncle would mean that his life could be on the line because of his uncle's ties with the mafia. He just wants to be a chef, and that could all be at risk now because of his family. I also completely understand not wanting to tell the police, because the police can only do so much to protect you.
The other characters are a little rough around the edges and plagued with their own problems and ties to this murder. Their mannerisms and backstories made the novel feel all the grittier and high stakes.
This book has its audience, and if you enjoy violent, mafia murders, I recommend this one for you!
"Bone in the Throat" is the debut novel from Anthony Bourdain. Tommy Pagana wants nothing more than to make a name for himself as a chef, and with his passion and talent he thinks he should be able to. Unfortunately, fame will have to wait as he works his way up in the kitchens of New York City, and Tommy takes a position working in his uncle's kitchen. Shockingly, Tommy is witness to a brutal murder in the restaurant, and now he must decide if he should turn his uncle in and risk his own life or keep his mouth shut and possibly be blamed for the crime.
I thought this was a well written book that was entertaining and will appeal to those who like true crime books in the vein of "Law & Order". Although this is not my typical type of story, I can objectively appreciate its complexities and intrigue. I also did not anticipate what the characters were going to decide to do next, which made the experience more fun.
This type of story is interesting because the reader knows from the beginning who murdered who, and the reader is just waiting for the rest of the characters to catch up and reveal what they know. My heart went out to Tommy because he was truly in the wrong place at the wrong time, and he battled with himself about what to do. Crossing his uncle would mean that his life could be on the line because of his uncle's ties with the mafia. He just wants to be a chef, and that could all be at risk now because of his family. I also completely understand not wanting to tell the police, because the police can only do so much to protect you.
The other characters are a little rough around the edges and plagued with their own problems and ties to this murder. Their mannerisms and backstories made the novel feel all the grittier and high stakes.
This book has its audience, and if you enjoy violent, mafia murders, I recommend this one for you!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Murder, Violence, Drug use, Gun violence, Stalking, Torture, and Kidnapping
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