Scan barcode
A review by spyralnode
Will Williams by Namwali Serpell
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
While I haven't read the original by Edgar Allan Poe, this story is about a black man tormented by his doppelganger. From the books I've read it reminded me actually of Dostoyevski's 'The Double' - while the stakes are different, stealing the person's job and loved one, it escalates in a similar way.
In this story, Will Williams meets Will Williams in high school, and not only do they look similar, but they even share the same birthday and their appearance is very similar. He is initially accused of petty crimes, increasing in violence, and while initially he tries to understand the other character's motivation, it descends into hate and terror.
It didn't affect me as much as 'The Double', because the length doesn't explore the psychology of the doubt and the imbalance in much the same way, but it was interesting to see this plotline with the victim from a disadvantaged community.
In this story, Will Williams meets Will Williams in high school, and not only do they look similar, but they even share the same birthday and their appearance is very similar. He is initially accused of petty crimes, increasing in violence, and while initially he tries to understand the other character's motivation, it descends into hate and terror.
It didn't affect me as much as 'The Double', because the length doesn't explore the psychology of the doubt and the imbalance in much the same way, but it was interesting to see this plotline with the victim from a disadvantaged community.