sargasso_c 's review for:

Bad Man by Dathan Auerbach

4.0

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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I love a book that can present an unreliable narrator in such a way that I question my own observations and dismissals. BAD MAN reminds me of HOUSE OF LEAVES in that a deteriorating mind is handled so gently and yet so harshly and presented so well. Though this book didn't quite "stick the landing" for me (they hardly ever do - how to bring a good thing to an end?) I enjoyed turning each of these 300 odd pages and didn't feel that the tension or suspense was dropped for a second. Walk with Ben through his slow, murky town and his slow, murky thoughts and you won't be disappointed - though you will be changed. I very much look forward to what else Auerbach has in store.