A review by geraldinerowe
Venomous Lumpsucker by Ned Beauman

adventurous challenging dark funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

There was a lot about this book that I liked, but I was frustrated that most of it didn't work well enough. While the overall premise is ingenious, the characters aren't particularly well drawn, especially the female ones, and the humour struck me as odd. It's understated but relentless and at first I thought it cheapened the message, but then the hilarious comments on the Hermit Kingdom (and one mention of the US) would've felt jarring without it. I'm not quite sure how I feel about the ending(s). For me the book kind of forgot about its earlier plot lines, but when capitalism meets the climate crisis there are only so many ways it can go.