Scan barcode
A review by toystory242
The Death and Life of Zebulon Finch, Volume One: At the Edge of Empire by Daniel Kraus
5.0
This book is....something. This book is definitely something. I don't know exactly how to go about reviewing it, because it is such a strange book that crosses so many boundaries that other books wouldn't even think about coming close to.
Is it a YA novel? Sure, but completely devoid of romance or an antagonist or overthrowing something or someone or anything.
Is there...a setting? Sure, many settings. But we do not stay in one for very long, as the book is divided in many, very different parts in vastly different places.
What about characters? Or plot? Ladies and gentlemen, meet Zebulon Finch. This book follows him and doesn't do much else. He's not trying to overcome any sort of oppression or even trying to overcome his own predicament, which is dying at the age 17 and waking up a moment later with a dead body but a very alive mind. But following him is a pleasure. His adventures are compelling, and so is his mind. You root for him, even when he makes horrendous mistakes (which is often). You ache for him as he thinks of previous characters in previous parts of the book (which I greatly appreciated, as it helped the book flow better). You want him to be happy, but I have a feeling that he really never will be. Zebulon's voice is SO STRONG (and the absolutely FANTASTIC writing helps bring him to life); it's so potent that if you did not find even a bit of yourself liking him I would be shocked. He is temperamental, violent, and impulsive, but he is also charming, sympathetic, and often even kind. You root for him because you see that even when he does terrible things, he regrets them and tries to fix them, often failing. He's has such a long and sad existence that I am practically BEGGING Daniel Kraus to PLEASE. PLEASE GIVE HIM A HAPPY ENDING.
Wow. I mean, this book. I have not read anything like this book in my entire life, and for this reason alone I beg YOU to pick it up. I almost gave this book 4 stars, but as I thought on my reasoning, it was merely, "Well, there were some weird parts that made me uncomfortable." But that is the POINT. This book is long, weird, and like nothing else ever. It took me a long time to get through it, but I think spacing out the reading experience is a good way to read it, as there are certainly some parts where you need some time for it to sink in. I guarantee there are at least 10 "WTF???" moments, and even more "What am I reading???? Do I like it? o_O"
Also, if you enjoyed this book, I highly suggest giving The Monstromologist by Rick Yancey a go. They are very different but have a similar...vibe.
Is it a YA novel? Sure, but completely devoid of romance or an antagonist or overthrowing something or someone or anything.
Is there...a setting? Sure, many settings. But we do not stay in one for very long, as the book is divided in many, very different parts in vastly different places.
What about characters? Or plot? Ladies and gentlemen, meet Zebulon Finch. This book follows him and doesn't do much else. He's not trying to overcome any sort of oppression or even trying to overcome his own predicament, which is dying at the age 17 and waking up a moment later with a dead body but a very alive mind. But following him is a pleasure. His adventures are compelling, and so is his mind. You root for him, even when he makes horrendous mistakes (which is often). You ache for him as he thinks of previous characters in previous parts of the book (which I greatly appreciated, as it helped the book flow better). You want him to be happy, but I have a feeling that he really never will be. Zebulon's voice is SO STRONG (and the absolutely FANTASTIC writing helps bring him to life); it's so potent that if you did not find even a bit of yourself liking him I would be shocked. He is temperamental, violent, and impulsive, but he is also charming, sympathetic, and often even kind. You root for him because you see that even when he does terrible things, he regrets them and tries to fix them, often failing. He's has such a long and sad existence that I am practically BEGGING Daniel Kraus to PLEASE. PLEASE GIVE HIM A HAPPY ENDING.
Wow. I mean, this book. I have not read anything like this book in my entire life, and for this reason alone I beg YOU to pick it up. I almost gave this book 4 stars, but as I thought on my reasoning, it was merely, "Well, there were some weird parts that made me uncomfortable." But that is the POINT. This book is long, weird, and like nothing else ever. It took me a long time to get through it, but I think spacing out the reading experience is a good way to read it, as there are certainly some parts where you need some time for it to sink in. I guarantee there are at least 10 "WTF???" moments, and even more "What am I reading???? Do I like it? o_O"
Also, if you enjoyed this book, I highly suggest giving The Monstromologist by Rick Yancey a go. They are very different but have a similar...vibe.