A review by wouterk
Savages by Don Winslow

adventurous dark reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

The name says it all. This book is savage. It is about the violent drug world around the border of Mexico and Florida. In a fragmentary flow of consciousness  of different perspectives Winslow creates a clear and fast-paced story with very short chapters about two guys (Ben and Chon) sharing a drug business and their girlfriend (O - short for Ophelia). But then, the cartel wants to take over their business. And soon things escalate. A lot happens in a short time and the book turns into one of those classic crime action stories. For me it has vibes like Boondock Saints, Tarantino movies and such.

I really enjoyed the quick almost pointillistic writing. It accentuates the atmosphere with men and women who just do what must be done for business and survival. The Main characters and main villains all have very different backgrounds, passions and values which makes for very interesting character work.  What I especially enjoyed is how Chon is the muscle of their operation but has brains on par with Ben as brains of the operation. This makes for some interesting reflections on life, violence and good and evil.

I really appreciated this book as an easy book to pick up and also a good palate cleanser. I will keep Winslow in mind for future moments where I'm either in a slump or want something a bit different from my normal reading.