Review of Duplicity

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mark liu
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Review of Duplicity

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[Following is a volunteer review of "Duplicity" by Fin C Gray.]
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4 out of 4 stars
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Duplicity simply spares no detail in its harrowing and intimate plot. From the very real and giant theme of terrorism to the tender, yet equally shattering plot of a family and their battle with cancer, Duplicity and the world Fin C. Gray masterfully creates demonstrates the slow and duplicitous journey a seemingly normal young man will take. From the boy whose bond with his mother was so cruelly severed, to the man who severed his bond with his father so cruelly; readers will undoubtedly relish in this opportunity to experience a world and story so masterfully crafted.

From the prologue's precise choice of language to the very structure of the book, Gray spends no time shaping his world into his own. The feeling of such a real world is emulated by the formation of equally well crafted characters. The active opening acts as both the start, and also the end of the journey for Daniel, who is both a victim, yet also contains a villainous streak. This prospective prologue and non-linear plot is utilised masterfully by Gray, with the reader guided through the conflicting and duplicitous world. Not once did I feel lost or confused by Gray's manipulation of time, a testament to his artful guidance throughout. In some ways, the reader is guided by Gray through Daniel's departure from his own world. As Daniel departs his world, the reader can enter Gray's. This is all topped by what appears to be near perfect editing, with no noticeable typos.

Gray's delicately crafted world acts as a double-edged sword in one regard, as he artfully selects each word carefully as to produce the perfect world he may have inadvertently affected the descriptions of characters minorly. Some of the dialogue shows a slight disconnect between the character and their use of language. This, however, is very minor and could even be an intended effect of Gray's writing, with the disconnect between the language of the characters and the characters themselves being used to signify their slow yet inevitably self destruction.

It is unquestionable that Duplicity deserves 4 stars out of 4 stars . From the harrowing and raw descriptions of the characters to the perfect pacing and use of the non-linear narration, each word of Duplicity is deserving of praise.

The book contains and explores deeply multiple mature and sometimes distressing themes. There are extensive passing remarks of substance and alcohol abuse, along with homosexuality and minor details of sexual abuse dotted throughout the book. A scene with violence against animals also features. The themes of religion and terrorism also take centre stage; however, they are written in mature and respectful manners: the reader needs only to reciprocate the same attitudes when approaching the book. As a result, it would take a strong and mature reader to appreciate the book fully, yet anybody looking for a well crafted documentary of organic characters should not hesitate to explore Duplicity .

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Duplicity
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