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A review by katykelly
Ablutions: Notes for a Novel by Patrick deWitt
4.0
Unusual second person narrative, sometimes distasteful but somehow fascinating
Set in a bar, narrated through the bartender, talking about bar customers, it's completely alcohol and barfly focused. Ive only ever seen the 'you' perspective used once before, for a novel giving a psychopath's perspective, which worked brilliantly. Here it felt strange, though I did come to like it, as the bartender is just as much a character as any of those he's fascinated by.
The book starts with the server observing his customers, describing their foibles and quirks, of which there are many. Gradually, we also see his own life and body disintegrating, through alcohol, as his marriage, physique, morals even, are affected.
There are a few rather distasteful scenes of sex/partying, but the humour is very dark and I quite liked the descriptions of the barflies ranging from gay teachers to transvestites, child actors to 'well endowed' customers.
I read this as I enjoyed 'The Sisters Brothers' and wanted to try an early work by the author. It's not going to be for everyone, some may find it a little too 'out there' in its style and setting, but it is quite a novel little book to try.
The audio version is well read and brings the narrative voice to life. One to try if you like the author, if you like contemporary tales of the 'seedier' side of urban life.
Set in a bar, narrated through the bartender, talking about bar customers, it's completely alcohol and barfly focused. Ive only ever seen the 'you' perspective used once before, for a novel giving a psychopath's perspective, which worked brilliantly. Here it felt strange, though I did come to like it, as the bartender is just as much a character as any of those he's fascinated by.
The book starts with the server observing his customers, describing their foibles and quirks, of which there are many. Gradually, we also see his own life and body disintegrating, through alcohol, as his marriage, physique, morals even, are affected.
There are a few rather distasteful scenes of sex/partying, but the humour is very dark and I quite liked the descriptions of the barflies ranging from gay teachers to transvestites, child actors to 'well endowed' customers.
I read this as I enjoyed 'The Sisters Brothers' and wanted to try an early work by the author. It's not going to be for everyone, some may find it a little too 'out there' in its style and setting, but it is quite a novel little book to try.
The audio version is well read and brings the narrative voice to life. One to try if you like the author, if you like contemporary tales of the 'seedier' side of urban life.