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A review by dreamdoughnut
The Pallbearers Club by Paul Tremblay
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I have torn through many of Tremblay’s other novels so I was eagerly awaiting the Pallbearers Club. It didn’t grip me in the same way. Most of his other novels are fast-paced, starring out the gate with horror. This one dragged.
I think my main issue is that Art is incredibly unlikeable. I love a narrator that is flawed and unreliable but ultimately you want to relate to that character. He was vulnerable but blamed everyone but himself for his problems. He reminded me of an ex of mine, so maybe that’s a personal problem.
It wasn’t the worst book I’ve read. It just wasn’t a nail-biter like Tremblay’s other novels.
I think my main issue is that Art is incredibly unlikeable. I love a narrator that is flawed and unreliable but ultimately you want to relate to that character. He was vulnerable but blamed everyone but himself for his problems. He reminded me of an ex of mine, so maybe that’s a personal problem.
It wasn’t the worst book I’ve read. It just wasn’t a nail-biter like Tremblay’s other novels.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Addiction, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Body shaming, Chronic illness, Death of parent, Drug abuse, Grief, and Medical content
Minor: Cancer and Terminal illness