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A review by ginaraemitchell
Sorrow by Kurt Brindley
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
5.0
What happens when someone gives up, not just on society, but on being human altogether? In Sorrow, Kurt Brindley presents a protagonist who does just that. Harold Thorson Sterner, Sr., an aging white man, renounces his humanity, legally changing his name to Sorrow and identifying as an "it." His transformation coincides with his son’s relationship with a Black woman who is expecting their child and a series of murders targeting interracial couples in Los Angeles.
For me, Sorrow represents disillusionment and identity. Harold’s withdrawal from humanity is both extreme and symbolic, raising so many thought-provoking questions: Is his transformation a critique of the world's moral failures, or is it an act of cowardice to escape responsibility? Junior, in contrast, must navigate real-world racial tensions, making the novel a jarring commentary on generational perspectives, privilege, and the choice to engage or retreat from society’s struggles.
I have to mention the narrator of this intriguing story. Their perspective shaped the way I viewed Harold, his son, and the horrific events taking place. As the story unfolds, the narrator’s role grows increasingly central, making me reflect on the nature of storytelling, bias, and who actually controls a narrative.
Brindley’s writing is introspective and philosophical, challenging you to examine your own perspectives on race, identity, and social apathy. The novel’s pacing is very deliberate, allowing you space to reflect on Harold’s actions and the chilling backdrop of violence. I found Harold’s detachment a bit frustrating. His transformation does add depth to the story, yet it distances him from the book’s relevant issues.
Ultimately, Sorrow is deeply unsettling, timely, and an extremely thought-provoking tale. It offers no easy answers but forces you to confront difficult questions. When faced with a broken world, do we fight to change it or turn the other cheek? Whether you see Harold’s choices as tragic or revealing depends on your own worldview. Either way, Sorrow lingers long after the final page.
This was one of the most introspective stories I’ve ever read. I wish I felt more confident in my ability to convey my thoughts and feelings. You will just have to read the book for yourself. It’s the type of tale that will touch every reader in a different manner. But I guarantee you won't come away unchanged.
For me, Sorrow represents disillusionment and identity. Harold’s withdrawal from humanity is both extreme and symbolic, raising so many thought-provoking questions: Is his transformation a critique of the world's moral failures, or is it an act of cowardice to escape responsibility? Junior, in contrast, must navigate real-world racial tensions, making the novel a jarring commentary on generational perspectives, privilege, and the choice to engage or retreat from society’s struggles.
I have to mention the narrator of this intriguing story. Their perspective shaped the way I viewed Harold, his son, and the horrific events taking place. As the story unfolds, the narrator’s role grows increasingly central, making me reflect on the nature of storytelling, bias, and who actually controls a narrative.
Brindley’s writing is introspective and philosophical, challenging you to examine your own perspectives on race, identity, and social apathy. The novel’s pacing is very deliberate, allowing you space to reflect on Harold’s actions and the chilling backdrop of violence. I found Harold’s detachment a bit frustrating. His transformation does add depth to the story, yet it distances him from the book’s relevant issues.
Ultimately, Sorrow is deeply unsettling, timely, and an extremely thought-provoking tale. It offers no easy answers but forces you to confront difficult questions. When faced with a broken world, do we fight to change it or turn the other cheek? Whether you see Harold’s choices as tragic or revealing depends on your own worldview. Either way, Sorrow lingers long after the final page.
This was one of the most introspective stories I’ve ever read. I wish I felt more confident in my ability to convey my thoughts and feelings. You will just have to read the book for yourself. It’s the type of tale that will touch every reader in a different manner. But I guarantee you won't come away unchanged.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Hate crime, Racism, Police brutality, Murder
Moderate: Blood
Minor: Cursing