Review of Posthumous Remorse

[Muskan Afzal-]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Posthumous Remorse" by Shepperd Rourke.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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The book 'Posthumous Remorse' by Shepperd Rourke is a lyrical narrative of the writer's life. Rourke discusses his dominant struggles with alcohol and drug addiction, which led to his institutionalization in an attempt to overcome the addiction. The narrative also explores themes of prostitution, politics, religion, and suicide, presenting the author's unfiltered views on these subjects. Additionally, it delves into his romantic relationships and how his past traumas and drug use have led to significant losses in his life. To learn more about his life and philosophy, please read 'Posthumous Remorse,' the author's poetry book.

I appreciated many aspects of this book, particularly the lyrical memoir's use of prosody. The author skillfully uses his own memories and current experiences to depict life events, losses, transitions, intimacies, and emotional realities. The character's attacks on those who believe in Jesus, whom he considers a fabrication with no evidence to support his existence, along with his views on hell and other religious concepts, reveal his stark feelings towards religion. His use of complex grammatical terms was also beneficial as it broadened my vocabulary.

I would rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. There was no room for criticism. The way the author portrayed his struggles with religion and drug addiction was outstanding. Additionally, the error-free writing is a testament to excellent editing. After finishing the book, I realized that the author had purposefully included some lines that I had previously thought were incorrect. Furthermore, the novel was unrelenting in its exploration of sexual themes, violent language, and drug misuse. It also offered a daring, bordering on sacrilegious, critique of religion, focusing primarily on Christianity. Thus, this book will mostly appeal to non-believers.

I recommend this book to readers with an open mind who value writing that provokes critical thought and who are willing to engage in critical analysis of societal challenges. This book is intended for those seeking stimulating thought and a fresh perspective on the intricacies of human existence—it is not for the faint-hearted. It is a call to investigate, understand, and reflect on the complexities of our social systems.

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Posthumous Remorse
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