Review by jamesokunmd -- My Author Is Dead
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jamesokunmd
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Review by jamesokunmd -- My Author Is Dead
[Following is a volunteer review of "My Author Is Dead" by Michel Bruneau.]
3 out of 4 stars
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Certain books simply strike at the heart of complacency and ask the reader to think deeply and “outside of the box.” My Author Is Dead is such a novel. It gripped me immediately and forced me to ponder what the author was trying to communicate about class inequality and the many injustices in society.
This book immediately brings up the question of what happens if you “step out of line” and wind up on the wrong side of the local authorities, especially in a small town. The amazing thing here was that the author not only accomplished his goal of propelling the reader into deep thought about important social issues like an unjust legal system that favors the rich and well connected but did so with humor, a bit of sarcasm and cynicism and wit and through compelling and vivid writing.
The book begins in an environment of Kafkaism in a dystopian society where people are dehumanized, living in fear and encumbered by absurd rules and regulations. We meet Adam in a small courtroom in a small village where life is usually serene and uneventful. He has been brought up on criminal charges for a relatively innocent childlike encounter with a beautiful young girl who lives in his village.
They are children seen in a naked embrace deep in the woods by the nasty Casandra; another local girl who seems to pick victims at random to become obsessed with. She runs to her parents and “snitches” on Adam thus leading to his arrest. Adam is badly beaten and almost crippled by an angry mob which includes the girls brother and ends up on trial with a pathetic excuse for a public defender as his lawyer.
The lawyer has a case of chronic hiccups which he attempts to self- medicate by drinking rum. His clothes have holes and his hair is “uncombed.” Just imagine being on trial for your life with the likes of this “lawyer” having your future “in his hands” and your future depending on his legal skills. There is much more to the story which continues to draw the reader in.
I found the author’s use of sarcasm to be humorous and entertaining. His writing style flowed well and his use of symbolism was extraordinary. His descriptions of Adam’s contempt for his fellow citizens was hysterical such as describing his village of birth as “a village of morons.” But all the while the basic point about the need to battle for social justice is paramount and constant throughout the book.
I did find this book a bit hard to read and comprehend. Some of the passages were confusing and had to be re-read but all in all this is a book well worth reading for young adult and adult readers alike. Despite the minor confusions I gladly rate this book three out of four stars.
******
My Author Is Dead
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3 out of 4 stars
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Certain books simply strike at the heart of complacency and ask the reader to think deeply and “outside of the box.” My Author Is Dead is such a novel. It gripped me immediately and forced me to ponder what the author was trying to communicate about class inequality and the many injustices in society.
This book immediately brings up the question of what happens if you “step out of line” and wind up on the wrong side of the local authorities, especially in a small town. The amazing thing here was that the author not only accomplished his goal of propelling the reader into deep thought about important social issues like an unjust legal system that favors the rich and well connected but did so with humor, a bit of sarcasm and cynicism and wit and through compelling and vivid writing.
The book begins in an environment of Kafkaism in a dystopian society where people are dehumanized, living in fear and encumbered by absurd rules and regulations. We meet Adam in a small courtroom in a small village where life is usually serene and uneventful. He has been brought up on criminal charges for a relatively innocent childlike encounter with a beautiful young girl who lives in his village.
They are children seen in a naked embrace deep in the woods by the nasty Casandra; another local girl who seems to pick victims at random to become obsessed with. She runs to her parents and “snitches” on Adam thus leading to his arrest. Adam is badly beaten and almost crippled by an angry mob which includes the girls brother and ends up on trial with a pathetic excuse for a public defender as his lawyer.
The lawyer has a case of chronic hiccups which he attempts to self- medicate by drinking rum. His clothes have holes and his hair is “uncombed.” Just imagine being on trial for your life with the likes of this “lawyer” having your future “in his hands” and your future depending on his legal skills. There is much more to the story which continues to draw the reader in.
I found the author’s use of sarcasm to be humorous and entertaining. His writing style flowed well and his use of symbolism was extraordinary. His descriptions of Adam’s contempt for his fellow citizens was hysterical such as describing his village of birth as “a village of morons.” But all the while the basic point about the need to battle for social justice is paramount and constant throughout the book.
I did find this book a bit hard to read and comprehend. Some of the passages were confusing and had to be re-read but all in all this is a book well worth reading for young adult and adult readers alike. Despite the minor confusions I gladly rate this book three out of four stars.
******
My Author Is Dead
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like jamesokunmd's review? Post a comment saying so!
Latest Review: "Yesterday" by Samyann
