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A review by thewordsdevourer
Ghost Town by Kevin Chen
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.75
*Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC
Objectively, Ghost Town is an excellent book from a literary standpoint. Subjectively, however, I did not enjoy this as much as I should have, owing to its much-darker-than-expected tone and inadequate focus on the main character.
The factor that determines a reader's enjoyment of this book, in my opinion, boils down to their expectations of it. I think the current English edition is quite misleading: the cover does not do it justice, with both the art and font looking too juvenile for the book's tone and subject matter. I also wish I knew beforehand that the novel does not focus as much on the supposed main character as his family and the town he comes from. If I had had more accurate knowledge about the book before diving in, my feelings would be more positive, rather than feeling its 'lack' or being a little taken aback by its dark themes.
The novel itself, however, is mostly commendable, its structure and plot akin to an onion with layers on top of layers to be discovered the more one reads on. It is tightly plotted, with constant reveals and surprises throughout, shedding more light not only on the story itself but also the characters. The rural Taiwan setting is also great, the atmosphere, sense of place and culture so distinct and palpable one is immediately transported. The themes are deftly explored as well.
Nevertheless, there are parts that read like fillers and could be trimmed, as they endlessly meander and slow down the pace. I also wish more focus was on Keith; there is so much about the family - both in the past and present - to wade through, that Keith feels like a bystander at times, let alone the main character. I think his constant rumination in the present and the sense of detachment in his narrative voice also distance him from the reader, thus it is quite difficult to feel connected to him. But then again, maybe this is Chen's way of saying that Keith is now no different from a ghost.
This is a well-plotted book packed with details not only about the characters but also the Taiwan setting. If only the reader's expectations were better managed, their enjoyment would be less affected by its content and dark tone, and the lacking focus on the main character.
Objectively, Ghost Town is an excellent book from a literary standpoint. Subjectively, however, I did not enjoy this as much as I should have, owing to its much-darker-than-expected tone and inadequate focus on the main character.
The factor that determines a reader's enjoyment of this book, in my opinion, boils down to their expectations of it. I think the current English edition is quite misleading: the cover does not do it justice, with both the art and font looking too juvenile for the book's tone and subject matter. I also wish I knew beforehand that the novel does not focus as much on the supposed main character as his family and the town he comes from. If I had had more accurate knowledge about the book before diving in, my feelings would be more positive, rather than feeling its 'lack' or being a little taken aback by its dark themes.
The novel itself, however, is mostly commendable, its structure and plot akin to an onion with layers on top of layers to be discovered the more one reads on. It is tightly plotted, with constant reveals and surprises throughout, shedding more light not only on the story itself but also the characters. The rural Taiwan setting is also great, the atmosphere, sense of place and culture so distinct and palpable one is immediately transported. The themes are deftly explored as well.
Nevertheless, there are parts that read like fillers and could be trimmed, as they endlessly meander and slow down the pace. I also wish more focus was on Keith; there is so much about the family - both in the past and present - to wade through, that Keith feels like a bystander at times, let alone the main character. I think his constant rumination in the present and the sense of detachment in his narrative voice also distance him from the reader, thus it is quite difficult to feel connected to him. But then again, maybe this is Chen's way of saying that Keith is now no different from a ghost.
This is a well-plotted book packed with details not only about the characters but also the Taiwan setting. If only the reader's expectations were better managed, their enjoyment would be less affected by its content and dark tone, and the lacking focus on the main character.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Racism, Toxic relationship, Sexism, Homophobia, Death, Misogyny, and Rape
Moderate: Suicide, Confinement, Fire/Fire injury, Sexual content, Mental illness, Child abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Violence, Excrement, Self harm, and Murder
Minor: Colonisation and War