Book Review: John of John by Douglas Stuart
John of John
Douglas Stuart
5⭐
The gloomy and desolate setting of this book was what caught my attention first. I was wary and did not want to sit through pages of drudgery. With queer literature, there seems to always be a promise of despair. But this book surprises you despite it all through the people in it.
The writing is light but carries depth tacitly. The book swiftly manages to make the reader care about these people living on a remote island. Despite their obvious flaws and repeated offenses, the depictions are written in a way to showcase all sides of the story. There is strife, there is turmoil, but there is also kindness and connection. The book is a blue portrait on family, community and the act of caring.
The book has themes revolving around shame, projection, generational trauma, poverty, control, violence and broken families as a result. The central relationship tethered around Calum and his father as they try to understand each other is written reflecting an adroit understanding of the human condition. The ending is a clear message that humanity's endurance lies in the power of love in all its forms.
Would recommend to anyone who enjoys character driven narratives with skillful writing.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
The writing is light but carries depth tacitly. The book swiftly manages to make the reader care about these people living on a remote island. Despite their obvious flaws and repeated offenses, the depictions are written in a way to showcase all sides of the story. There is strife, there is turmoil, but there is also kindness and connection. The book is a blue portrait on family, community and the act of caring.
The book has themes revolving around shame, projection, generational trauma, poverty, control, violence and broken families as a result. The central relationship tethered around Calum and his father as they try to understand each other is written reflecting an adroit understanding of the human condition. The ending is a clear message that humanity's endurance lies in the power of love in all its forms.
Would recommend to anyone who enjoys character driven narratives with skillful writing.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
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