A review by elinakd
The Kindly Ones by Jonathan Littell

3.0

On one hand I found this book absolutely repulsive drivel, on the other hand I really wanted to finish it to see how it concluded. the fact that Max has reinvented himself (as is mentioned in the synopsis) is completely irrelevant and not part of the plot whatsoever. What is part of the plot, which I thought was indulgent, disgusting, and unnecessary, is that Max is a murdering, homosexual who is in love with his twin sister. While the historically fictional account of Max's experience as an SS soldier are terrifying and disgusting in themselves, I think they are important to read. The parts about his twisted personal life really felt unnecessary to me.