atticusbinch 's review for:

Big Chief by Jon Hickey

3.5

slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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I feel mildly conflicted about this novel, considering it's a debut. For some reason, while listening to the audiobook, I felt like there was a distance between me, Mitch, and the story itself. I understand that this book is about the slow drawl of corruption, but I couldn't help thinking why Mitch was letting himself fall into the pattern of corruption/power when he knows that it's all in vain. Another part of this is wondering why tribal politics are this intense. I feel like we didn't get much background on that, other than Buzz's story and the discussion of their position as a "nation." Perhaps it's my lack of awareness of the subject, yet I still felt like something was between me and an actual investment in the storylines. A physical barrier that prevented me from caring about the story beyond seeing who won the election. I don't quite know what to say about that, but maybe it's from the fact that Mitch isn't a compelling character? From the start, you understand that he's his own problem and just needs to move out of the way. The most compelling part of his story was his identity being in limbo and his mother. Other than that, I could take or leave it. Something about this story just wasn't quite right or satisfying. It just made me wonder if it was worth it to read or engage with, since there's so much pessimism from Mitch and the general vibe. I feel like the story was told and known from the beginning, and the rest was just filler. I can't say I'm disappointed -- more that I'm not impressed with it.