A review by jj_lg
These Violent Delights by Micah Nemerever

dark tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

reminiscent of Jude St. Francis (A Little Life); so interesting the contrast of where loneliness & isolation can lead a protagonist, as well as how it blurs the reliability of the narrator. reading from that kind of self-deprecating POV becomes tedious at times, but never pointless: the tension in the story builds on this foundation of the anti-hero's twisted inner monologue. the loathing you come to have for Paul heightens the angst we're to understand he feels inside him. the themes & recurring motifs of this book are all executed flawlessly;
the chess one in particular had my jaw on the floor upon reading the last page & reading back through to find its other occurrences to fully appreciate the genius of its inclusion.
as well as the lesser motif of animals & their contrast to humans
i had to cover up the last few pages of this book as i read it to savor my anticipation & avoid spoiling the conclusion  for myself too soon.
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