Review of Bad Form
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Brightone Tonny
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Review of Bad Form
[Following is a volunteer review of "Bad Form" by Joe Taylor.]
Bad Form by Joe Taylor takes readers on a journey through the bizarre experiences of its protagonist, Billy Wise, within the confines of a mysterious house. Populated by peculiar inhabitants like the shapeshifting Soapy and the talking snake Bogus, this house operates under magical rules, defying the boundaries of logic. The narrative unfolds as Billy grapples with a confounding job interview and discovers the house's inexplicable control over computers, even in the absence of electricity. Questions linger about the true purpose of the house and the elusive force governing its peculiarities.
On the positive side, the book presents an intriguing premise with a central conceit involving a mystical house that can manipulate time and space. This premise serves as a fertile ground for imaginative storytelling, allowing the narrative to explore uncharted territories. The sense of mystery is carefully maintained throughout the book, keeping readers in suspense about the true nature and purpose of The House. Humor, injected through characters like the talking snake Bogus, provides a welcome counterbalance to serious elements, adding a layer of levity to the narrative.
Moreover, Bad Form engages readers intellectually by exposing the main character to various philosophical concepts and significant ideas during his time in The House. The exploration of human relationships, particularly the interactions between characters like Billy, Soapy, and Alexandra, promises potential insights into the complexities of love, loss, and interpersonal dynamics.
However, I encountered some drawbacks. Some characters exhibit irrational and unexplained behaviors tied to the peculiar logic of the magical house, potentially leaving readers confused or frustrated. Disturbing scenes, such as the death of a character named Alexandra, may make some readers uncomfortable. The writing style, at times meandering and dreamlike, lacks a clear narrative drive in certain sections, which might not resonate with readers seeking a more tightly structured plot.
In addition, elements of humor or sarcasm in the dialogue could be interpreted as politically incorrect or insensitive by some readers. Cultural and political references may not withstand the test of time, possibly impacting the book's relevance in the future. I recommend Bad Form to readers who appreciate mystery narratives, but caution that it may not appeal to those seeking a more straightforward and tightly structured story. My rating for the book is 3 out of 5 stars, acknowledging its strengths while recognizing its limitations. I also encountered some errors.
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Bad Form
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Bad Form by Joe Taylor takes readers on a journey through the bizarre experiences of its protagonist, Billy Wise, within the confines of a mysterious house. Populated by peculiar inhabitants like the shapeshifting Soapy and the talking snake Bogus, this house operates under magical rules, defying the boundaries of logic. The narrative unfolds as Billy grapples with a confounding job interview and discovers the house's inexplicable control over computers, even in the absence of electricity. Questions linger about the true purpose of the house and the elusive force governing its peculiarities.
On the positive side, the book presents an intriguing premise with a central conceit involving a mystical house that can manipulate time and space. This premise serves as a fertile ground for imaginative storytelling, allowing the narrative to explore uncharted territories. The sense of mystery is carefully maintained throughout the book, keeping readers in suspense about the true nature and purpose of The House. Humor, injected through characters like the talking snake Bogus, provides a welcome counterbalance to serious elements, adding a layer of levity to the narrative.
Moreover, Bad Form engages readers intellectually by exposing the main character to various philosophical concepts and significant ideas during his time in The House. The exploration of human relationships, particularly the interactions between characters like Billy, Soapy, and Alexandra, promises potential insights into the complexities of love, loss, and interpersonal dynamics.
However, I encountered some drawbacks. Some characters exhibit irrational and unexplained behaviors tied to the peculiar logic of the magical house, potentially leaving readers confused or frustrated. Disturbing scenes, such as the death of a character named Alexandra, may make some readers uncomfortable. The writing style, at times meandering and dreamlike, lacks a clear narrative drive in certain sections, which might not resonate with readers seeking a more tightly structured plot.
In addition, elements of humor or sarcasm in the dialogue could be interpreted as politically incorrect or insensitive by some readers. Cultural and political references may not withstand the test of time, possibly impacting the book's relevance in the future. I recommend Bad Form to readers who appreciate mystery narratives, but caution that it may not appeal to those seeking a more straightforward and tightly structured story. My rating for the book is 3 out of 5 stars, acknowledging its strengths while recognizing its limitations. I also encountered some errors.
******
Bad Form
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Lann Dàn – Blades of Destiny by James Raquepau
