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A review by andrewbenesh1
The Cormorant by Chuck Wendig
5.0
In Blackbirds, Chuck Wendig introduced us to deeply troubled anti-hero Miriam Black, a woman who can see the deaths of others when she touches them. It was an exploration of a character in both physical and emotional isolation, who was driven by loss and seeking any distraction she could; in the end, it shows us her first steps towards re-engaging with the world as a person rather than a victim. In Mockingbird, we see Miriam take another big step – caring about someone else without the expectation of being rewarded or reciprocated. It’s not a journey into sainthood, mind you, but it’s growth. In Cormorant, we begin to explore another new idea for Miriam – forgiveness.
As with Wendig’s prior two novels, this Miriam Black story has kinetic feel that feels like watching a Tarantino movie. The action is constant, clever, and sometimes just a little over the top. The writing remains grounded in the world, but doesn’t allow the realism to become depressing or distancing. The wordplay remains on point, as does Wendig’s penchant for drawing out beautiful images from crass scenes.
Although it doesn’t contain as much worldbuilding as the prior novels, The Cormorant provide a deeper dive into Miriam’s past than we’ve seen previously. By abandoning her newfound relationships (at least for a while), we’re able to greater plumb the depths of Miriam’s self-worth and her antagonism towards her family (and the world of supernatural fatalistic manifestations). The result is forgiveness, but not the “now we’re best friends forever isn’t it grand” brand of forgiveness. Instead, we’re shown Miriam moving into a place of forgiveness characterized by acceptance of the past and understanding of others imperfections.
It’s not all emotionally charged personal growth, though. Miriam still retains her impulsive, reckless, and blunt traits, and these round out the story well. We get to meet the archetypal Florida Man, explore the world of casual lesbian hookups, and have plenty of good old fashioned fighting. This is my one area of complaint; like the first book Miriam’s levels of physical endurance seem to be well above any reasonable threshold. I understand Miriam’s abrupt death or hospitalization would damage the flow of the novel, but I’d rather see her as a little more vulnerable to injury (similar to the second novel). However, this is a small point, and doesn’t detract from enjoyment of the novel.
If you’re ready for another round of crazy Miriam Black fun, you won’t be disappointed with this entry.
As with Wendig’s prior two novels, this Miriam Black story has kinetic feel that feels like watching a Tarantino movie. The action is constant, clever, and sometimes just a little over the top. The writing remains grounded in the world, but doesn’t allow the realism to become depressing or distancing. The wordplay remains on point, as does Wendig’s penchant for drawing out beautiful images from crass scenes.
Although it doesn’t contain as much worldbuilding as the prior novels, The Cormorant provide a deeper dive into Miriam’s past than we’ve seen previously. By abandoning her newfound relationships (at least for a while), we’re able to greater plumb the depths of Miriam’s self-worth and her antagonism towards her family (and the world of supernatural fatalistic manifestations). The result is forgiveness, but not the “now we’re best friends forever isn’t it grand” brand of forgiveness. Instead, we’re shown Miriam moving into a place of forgiveness characterized by acceptance of the past and understanding of others imperfections.
It’s not all emotionally charged personal growth, though. Miriam still retains her impulsive, reckless, and blunt traits, and these round out the story well. We get to meet the archetypal Florida Man, explore the world of casual lesbian hookups, and have plenty of good old fashioned fighting. This is my one area of complaint; like the first book Miriam’s levels of physical endurance seem to be well above any reasonable threshold. I understand Miriam’s abrupt death or hospitalization would damage the flow of the novel, but I’d rather see her as a little more vulnerable to injury (similar to the second novel). However, this is a small point, and doesn’t detract from enjoyment of the novel.
If you’re ready for another round of crazy Miriam Black fun, you won’t be disappointed with this entry.