About book Through Darkest America (Isaac Asimov Presents) (1988)
I really liked 80% of this book. Even among the almost always grim post-apocalyptic genre, it ranks as one the darkest things I've ever read, if not the darkest. It's got cannibalism, people skinned alive, dismemberment of sensitive body parts and many deaths. Much of it is executed well, though. The violence reminded me more of a Quentin Tarantino movie than some standard slasher. The meat of the story (cannibalism pun!) is told through strong dialogue and a narrative that focuses on the main character, Howie's, immediate surroundings and thoughts, which keeps the plot moving forward quickly. It also prevents it from getting bogged down in the cultural and societal rules and laws of this future world like many books in the genre do. It shows more than it tells and leaves just enough indirect to keep a sense of intrigue. On top of that, many scenes and the plot as a whole veer in unexpected directions often. It packs some surprising punches.There were a few weird sex related things that almost ruined it for me, though, and might ruin it for people with more delicate sensibilities than my own. Let's just say it gets a little rape-y here and a little embarrassing there and leave it at that. And though most of it was well-written, there were also a few instances of poorly written imagery that mixed metaphors.On the whole, I forgive the flaws. It kept me turning pages and made me think, even if I was cringing and disturbed on multiple levels all the while.
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