Thoughts: feels like a lazy attempt at commentary on racism
Verdict: rape as plot device 😐
Would read again: Hell no
Overall this book was a test of my capacity to hate. Nothing have I hated as much as the experience of being forced to read this book for a grade. The characters were unlikable caricatures and while I recognize that was the intention, it was no fun whatsoever to read. I wouldn’t recommend this book to my worst enemy. I admit it was decently written, but the book focuses so heavily on the racist prejudices of the characters that it reads ridiculously overdone, yet it takes itself too seriously to properly read as caricature. For some reason Boyle thought rape was an appropriate plot device, but absolutely refuses to deal with it empathetically. The same with the Killing the Innocent trope at the end. He just shoves it in for shock value without any empathy for the character. I cannot overstate how angry this made me and idc it’s the point, there’s a difference between feeling rage at the plot and at the entire fucking essence of this sad excuse for a novel. The book lacks any semblance of empathy. Boyle got his message across but Shad M. Brooks himself could execute this better. Would not recommend or read again.