A review by amiegold
Erasure by Percival Everett

challenging emotional funny reflective sad medium-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? It's complicated

4.75

Erasure is definitely one of the best books I've read this year. This book took me by complete surprise. I immediately connected with Monk, our African-American main character who is well educated and comes from a loving and stable home.  Monk reminisces on how he has strived and given his all to his literature, which he calls his art, and how it has not been received well.  Specifically, the feedback is that nobody wants to read it and it isn't 'black' enough. In his frustration, as he is dealing with very real and relatable problems in his personal life., monk pens a work of fiction under the name 'My Pafology' that is offensive, ridiculous, and shocking. I have to admit that I only read a few pages of 'My Pafology' as Percival Everett includes it in this book and its entirety. But even having read that gave me plenty of background to enjoy the rest of the novel. I felt Monks disgust with himself and our culture throughout this book as his satirical work is applauded as some of the best fiction ever released in African American literature. Monk is offended, and I'm offended for him. This book made me laugh and cry, sometimes on the same page. It has definitely has earned a place on my shelf.
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