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A review by rodent_scribbles
Last Days by Brian Evenson
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
An easy read but lacking substance, a good junk food book.
Despite the marketing, it is clear the author does not understand what a cult is as the beliefs of the "cult" in question are never explored.
The book relies heavily on the shock value of amputation, treating the act and its results as a freak show to be gawked at.
The book assumes the reader shares in the protagonist's shock and horror towards amputation but never explores why someone might feel that way.
The scene in which a stripper takes off her prosthetics to the protagonist's horror is both gratuitous and horribly ableist. The scene is never brought up again so its point in the story is beyond me.
The only redeeming quality of the story is Brian Evenson's writing style. It's an easy and evocative reading experience, I just wish his skills had been put to use in a better story.
Despite the marketing, it is clear the author does not understand what a cult is as the beliefs of the "cult" in question are never explored.
The book relies heavily on the shock value of amputation, treating the act and its results as a freak show to be gawked at.
The book assumes the reader shares in the protagonist's shock and horror towards amputation but never explores why someone might feel that way.
The scene in which a stripper takes off her prosthetics to the protagonist's horror is both gratuitous and horribly ableist. The scene is never brought up again so its point in the story is beyond me.
The only redeeming quality of the story is Brian Evenson's writing style. It's an easy and evocative reading experience, I just wish his skills had been put to use in a better story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Body horror, Death, and Violence
Moderate: Medical content, Self harm, Stalking, and Alcohol
Amputation