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A review by rgoth
Between the Devil and the Dusk by Patrick Ireland
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
This book turned out to be quite different from what I initially expected, and I have to admit that I came away feeling somewhat disappointed. The first half reads more like a travel blog filled with anecdotes about the experiences of uncultured British tourists on work placements abroad, rather than the compelling narrative I had hoped for.
Although I have never visited Japan, it has always been high on my bucket list, and I was eager to immerse myself in the unique cultural landscape through the pages of this book. While some of the descriptions of the setting offered glimpses of the country’s charm, the overall execution felt disjointed and awkward. The narrative lacked the fluidity and depth that typically draws readers into a foreign experience.
Moving into the second half of the book, which is intended to heighten the tension and accelerate the story's rhythm, I found myself increasingly frustrated. The protagonist frequently expresses his distrust of his companions and emphasizes the imminent dangers they face during their journey. However, it seemed implausible that he would claim there was no way out when multiple opportunities to fly home were presented. It would have felt more authentic for him to acknowledge his choices driven by adventure and a desire for glory rather than to cling to a seemingly illogical situation.
Furthermore, the supporting characters felt rather one-dimensional, lacking the necessary depth to evoke empathy or understanding from the reader. Their motivations remained unclear, making it difficult to invest emotionally in their fates. The most frustrating aspect, however, was the unresolved cliffhanger regarding the murder mystery that unfolded throughout the plot. Instead of providing a satisfying resolution, it left me feeling more confused and let down, particularly since I had formed some theories about what might have happened.
Another element that soured my reading experience was the portrayal of animal cruelty. It felt unnecessary and gratuitous, offering nothing of substance to the storyline. This inclusion was jarring and almost caused me to abandon the book entirely. I pushed through to the end, but by the time I finished, I couldn't shake the disappointment. Though I completed the journey, I doubt I would be eager to revisit this story in the future.
Although I have never visited Japan, it has always been high on my bucket list, and I was eager to immerse myself in the unique cultural landscape through the pages of this book. While some of the descriptions of the setting offered glimpses of the country’s charm, the overall execution felt disjointed and awkward. The narrative lacked the fluidity and depth that typically draws readers into a foreign experience.
Moving into the second half of the book, which is intended to heighten the tension and accelerate the story's rhythm, I found myself increasingly frustrated. The protagonist frequently expresses his distrust of his companions and emphasizes the imminent dangers they face during their journey. However, it seemed implausible that he would claim there was no way out when multiple opportunities to fly home were presented. It would have felt more authentic for him to acknowledge his choices driven by adventure and a desire for glory rather than to cling to a seemingly illogical situation.
Furthermore, the supporting characters felt rather one-dimensional, lacking the necessary depth to evoke empathy or understanding from the reader. Their motivations remained unclear, making it difficult to invest emotionally in their fates. The most frustrating aspect, however, was the unresolved cliffhanger regarding the murder mystery that unfolded throughout the plot. Instead of providing a satisfying resolution, it left me feeling more confused and let down, particularly since I had formed some theories about what might have happened.
Another element that soured my reading experience was the portrayal of animal cruelty. It felt unnecessary and gratuitous, offering nothing of substance to the storyline. This inclusion was jarring and almost caused me to abandon the book entirely. I pushed through to the end, but by the time I finished, I couldn't shake the disappointment. Though I completed the journey, I doubt I would be eager to revisit this story in the future.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty