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A review by ajnel
Broiler by Eli Cranor
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Gabriela Menchaca and Edwin Saucedo, are offspring of undocumented immigrants who work at the brutal Detmer Foods chicken processing plant. Mimi and Luke Jackson, are seemingly well-off, with Luke being the plant manager at the very same plant. Their worlds collide when Luke fires Edwin and Edwin kidnaps Mini and Luke's baby.
This Southern Noir novel explores the harsh realities of low-wage labour and the desperation which drives people to commit crimes. Cranor has in his previous two novels distinguished himself as a master of gritty Southern crime writing. Broiler is no exception, but the heavy focus on Mimi and Gabi sometimes slows the story to an almost stop. The ending is also a bit too Disney to fit into the rest of the story. Beautifully and richly written with a True Crime atmosphere, but for this small shortcoming.
This Southern Noir novel explores the harsh realities of low-wage labour and the desperation which drives people to commit crimes. Cranor has in his previous two novels distinguished himself as a master of gritty Southern crime writing. Broiler is no exception, but the heavy focus on Mimi and Gabi sometimes slows the story to an almost stop. The ending is also a bit too Disney to fit into the rest of the story. Beautifully and richly written with a True Crime atmosphere, but for this small shortcoming.