Review of The Angel of Death Origins

[muriah huerta]

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Angel of Death Origins" by Laurent Cousineau.]

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3 out of 5 stars

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Laurent Cousineau describes this novel as a fictional autobiography, inspired by events that deeply impacted his life with OCD and complex PTSD. With the first 4 chapters dedicated to adolescent bullying and a play written by the main character, we see what life was like for Laurent as well as what could have happened if things had gone to the worse degree. In adulthood, these events have convinced fictional Laurent that he has been experiencing life in a simulation, similar to those we’ve seen in “The Matrix'' and “The Truman Show." He begins to wonder if the life he lives is one that is predetermined or just a form of entertainment for others. He uses a second play as a way to answer his questions about his own suffering and why he was chosen to experience adversity for so long as well as a fictional confirmation that there is indeed a higher being that spectates as he “plays” the game of life. Later chapters are devoted to more political and scientific confirmation of the possibility of a simulation experience, from climate change to presidential elections to an anti-bullying court case.
I give Angel of Death Origins: OCD, Bullying and Questioning Reality a 3 out of 5 rating. It was great at explaining medical and psychiatric terminology in a way that felt less intimidating to a reader without prior knowledge. This made the book a lot more relatable and approachable for readers who may have held onto the negative stigmas often portrayed about mental health. The book also shed light on the fact that bullying doesn't always end in grade school and that even adults find themselves in situations that may trigger new and childhood trauma.
Although there were lots of qualities of the book that I found very insightful and incredibly honest, I did notice the focus on stories and retelling of the same events which became a little repetitive. I also noticed that the plays between chapters were just a retelling the information given from the previous chapter in the form of a conversation between characters, again which felt a little redundant. Often throughout chapters the author jumps around to different years in time, which can be confusing or long winded. I enjoyed the idea of using pop culture references to describe the simulation theory, as well as scientific resources. These references helped the theory feel current, even possible, to some.

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The Angel of Death Origins
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