A review by stitchnlich
Vladimir by Julia May Jonas

challenging dark reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

This book was a train wreck, in that it was grotesque, obscene even, but I couldn’t have looked away even if I wanted to.  The book introduces its prickly, unlikable narrator with its uncomfortable first sentence and it doesn’t get better from there in terms of allowing the reader feel at ease.  I don’t think it is a coincidence that the character after which the book is called is named in a way that calls back to the author of another controversial book about obscene sexual interests, or to a famous murderer, or to a hated dictator.  It is well written and thought-provoking but unnerving and uncomfortable.
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