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A review by sspaghettiboness
The Boy in the Earth by Allison Markin Powell, Fuminori Nakamura
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I did not expect to become a Fuminori Nakamura completionist, but every novel I read by him simply makes me want to read another. This book is no exception. He excels at putting words to deep, twisting emotions built of rage, fear, and dread. The main character here is one built out of suffering, only thriving by receiving more.
Intentional or not, the first chapter gave me a little Fight Club vibe, although it was quickly washed away by how different this writing is. Which is what I like the most about reading his work - he does not waste time on superfluous description, he needles right away at exactly how he wants the reader to feel. In this case, it seemed there was a drowning sense of dread and apathy, which he then lit a flame by hope, and cemented the story with a healthy dose of reality.
Excellent writing, excellent piece. I look forward to reading more by him very soon.
Intentional or not, the first chapter gave me a little Fight Club vibe, although it was quickly washed away by how different this writing is. Which is what I like the most about reading his work - he does not waste time on superfluous description, he needles right away at exactly how he wants the reader to feel. In this case, it seemed there was a drowning sense of dread and apathy, which he then lit a flame by hope, and cemented the story with a healthy dose of reality.
Excellent writing, excellent piece. I look forward to reading more by him very soon.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Alcoholism, Child death, and Miscarriage