Official Review: Smog City, Also Known As Sysco

[Nathrad Sheare]

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Smog City, Also Known As Sysco" by Rebecca McNutt.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Over a year ago, I reviewed McNutt's novel, "Pyromania," and suggested that after further revision the book might become the science fiction lover's dream she obviously intended it to be. Does a writer blossom? I, personally, am not too sure. I do know, however, that a writer works. One doesn't squeeze into a thousand minds such enormous pieces of his or her imagination as must be cemented together for the opera of novelism to be possible- not without a lot of cutting, shaving, pulling, pushing, kneading, sweating, crying, and bleeding. McNutt has definitely been working, and her climb toward the peak of her creative powers has its rewards, one of which is "Smog City," or "Sysco," set before the events of "Pyromania." It is a piece of fiction that even with some creative baby fat left to shed can satisfy any young adult's cravings for mystery, thrill, and dramatic grit. This isn't to say that the story McNutt has spun here can't be enjoyed by even a few of those who've ripened past drinking age. I, only a few years legal, don't regret having perused its three hundred twenty- five narrative pages, its epilogue, and a collection of artwork included at the book's end that gives readers McNutt's personal vision of her own characters shade for shade.

"Focus on the past." The character, Alecto, is an incessant smoker full of sarcasm- veiled empathy and is the personification of the Sydney Tar Ponds who doesn't talk about much more than the history of the waste from which his very human- looking form is derived. Don't be giving my page that confused and critical look. It's all explained in the notes on page three. A lot of other dark stuff follows the guy everywhere he goes, but as the details are devils here (spoilers...), I'm afraid I must avoid a certain few computer key sequences. I see no presumptuousness in my pointing a finger at my monitor and yelling, "Darling!" Indeed, if McNutt is to be accused of choosing a favorite from among her brain's many kiddies, Alecto, with his conspicuous pale complexion, theme-of-novel hollering manner, and Jackie Estacado fashion sense, is just that. Certainly, it is he with his Super 8 camera who moves the story forward. It is his world that creates the drama, or most of it, anyway (I won't say anything about what Mandy's hiding in the 1980's! Oh...). Still, he isn't our primary protagonist.

Mandy Valems. Two words describe her very well: emotional puzzle. Mandy is the center of this third- person limited, quasi- kafkaesque narrative, and the girl just can't seem to get a grip on anything. Her near constant state of panic and emotional instability (antisocial personality disorder?) create plenty of plot tension. Naturally, the reasons behind her mental state and her unique way of communicating with the outside world are explained near the end of the book. The novel's finale presents us with perhaps the ultimate antiheroine as Mandy comes to understand that she has found the first stones of the road to her destiny.

McNutt, every environmentalist's "heretic," as she calls herself, seems to be approaching maturity. She has done some work on her skills with fluidity and plot point connection. She demonstrates an ability for characterization, manipulating her words so that we, her readers, know who is speaking when. As I've written, the baby fat of the piece shows, but the dialogue tags, the unnatural phrases that pop up every so often in the dialogue, a bit of somewhat clumsy threading (The themes the title suggests were hinted at frequently, but were rougher than the more developed leitmotifs) and the inconsistent tone of a few chapters are things I believe she will grow past as she continues to write. Thus far, she seems to be on exactly the right track of stylistic betterment.

If the previous paragraphs don't quite say it, I am pleased to have read "Smog City," which I believe is either to be the first installment of the new and reworked "Sysco" series or is simply a cleverly spun prequel in the collection. Is the novel a great modern work of literature or genre fiction? Perhaps not, but I readily, for the vast improvement over the conclusion of McNutt's series, which itself has received some deserved positive critical comments lately, give "Smog City" 3 out of 4 stars.

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Smog City, Also Known As Sysco
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Like Nathrad Sheare's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Cee-Jay Aurinko]

I couldn't help but smile after reading your review. It's quite unique and interesting. Like a short little story all by itself, and well written at that too.

[Nathrad Sheare]

I appreciate your feedback, Leon! Or should I call you Mr. Durham? I'll say that writing critiques for this site has been pretty fun. I love words, so I take any opportunity I find to play around with them a little bit. I'm glad you enjoy my playing style. I see you have your own list of reviews. I'll give them a look!

[Tanaya]

This was a great review. You really do have a way with words. Your love of words really shines through.