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nerdygnome 's review for:
The Night Always Comes
by Willy Vlautin
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
While this book is well done, it's a stretch for me to say that it's enjoyable, mostly due to the weight of the main character's pervasively grim circumstances. In her early 30s, Lynette has had more than a lifetime of hard times. She lives with her distant mother and her severely disabled brother, doing her best to be the responsible adult they all need. When the opportunity comes to purchase the home they live in or have to move out, Lynette goes on a crusade to raise the money her mother doesn't have for it.
The Night Always Comes provides valuable insight into the lives of low-income families, as well as (to a lesser degree) those touched by significant disability. It took me a little bit to get into this book — I felt at first as if I were listening to a radio play, somewhat detached from the action and trying to piece things together. I wouldn't say that it's a slow burn overall, because the pace did pick up as more plot points were introduced, but it wasn't one that immediately grabbed me.
The dominant theme of this book is the desperation and limited options that accompany low income, but underneath that are more subtle themes of codependency, mother-daughter relationships, and a search for your own identity. Those who appreciate literary fiction that touches on social issues will likely appreciate this book.
Trigger warnings:depression and suicide attempts, mental health and mental crisis hospitalization, dysfunctional families and codependency, alcohol abuse and drug use, prostitution, abortion, and violence.
The Night Always Comes provides valuable insight into the lives of low-income families, as well as (to a lesser degree) those touched by significant disability. It took me a little bit to get into this book — I felt at first as if I were listening to a radio play, somewhat detached from the action and trying to piece things together. I wouldn't say that it's a slow burn overall, because the pace did pick up as more plot points were introduced, but it wasn't one that immediately grabbed me.
The dominant theme of this book is the desperation and limited options that accompany low income, but underneath that are more subtle themes of codependency, mother-daughter relationships, and a search for your own identity. Those who appreciate literary fiction that touches on social issues will likely appreciate this book.
Trigger warnings: