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zj5's review
3.0
I liked a lot of this book but thought the plot was kind of muddled. It felt like the culmination of something else. Like the season finale of a show where I didn't see the first 11 episodes. It's not bad and it's not confusing, it just felt like there should have been more lead up. I did like Ricky and Adele and their backstories were fascinating, though Adele's was maybe not given the attention it deserved. I would have liked to see her promoted to POV character. It is maybe the first book I've read with a positive portrayal of a cult. Well, sort of. LaValle is as funny and poignant as ever and he has some neat ideas about faith and class and the importance of not ignoring the disenfranchised among us.
sunwatersalt's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
cdeane61's review
4.0
Kept me coming back for more.
Not sure if I got everything, feels like this book had grander things to say than what was on the surface.
The viewpoint (at least for me) is unique, as are many of the tales that are revealed during the story. Is this what they mean by "magical Realism"? Author is compared to Gabriel Garcia Marquez (whom I have never successfully been able to read) so I am assuming so.
Would recommend - for its viewpoint, the raw feel of its prose, and some truly delightful moments.
Not sure if I got everything, feels like this book had grander things to say than what was on the surface.
The viewpoint (at least for me) is unique, as are many of the tales that are revealed during the story. Is this what they mean by "magical Realism"? Author is compared to Gabriel Garcia Marquez (whom I have never successfully been able to read) so I am assuming so.
Would recommend - for its viewpoint, the raw feel of its prose, and some truly delightful moments.
masonanddixon's review
3.0
While not really about religion beyond some surface detail, I don't think I'm quite religious enough to dig this. LaValle meditations on faith in god and country in the age of terrorism magical realism collage just didn't resonate with me the way the Leftovers or Twin Peaks do.
j7msjen's review
4.0
Definitely thought this would be 5 stars but last quarter was weird. I like weird but it was really weird. Still a strong four stars though.
tonythep's review
4.0
weird. but i like weird. part pulpy scifi, part gritty realism. won me over in the end.
pbobrit's review
4.0
A great supernatural thriller...Stephen King meets William Burroughs with a little August Wilson thrown in for good measure. Definitely recommend this book to supernatural fans or fans of great conspiracy stories.
walrus420's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Murder, Misogyny, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, Death, Sexual assault, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual violence, Sexism, Abortion, Violence, Religious bigotry, Rape, Miscarriage, Addiction, Alcoholism, and Drug abuse
Moderate: Child abuse, Gore, Child death, and Confinement