Review of Crazy Time

[Michelle 07]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Crazy Time" by L. Andrew Cooper.]

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3 out of 5 stars

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Crazy Time: A Bizarre Battle with Darkness and the Divine by L. Andrew Cooper

At the beginning, the surreal plot, took me back to when I read Goethe’s work Faust. Much like Goethe’s legendary piece that delves into the eternal struggle between good and evil through its main character’s pact with the Devil, Andrew Cooper’s narrative has the ability to captivate and unsettle the reader within the first moments. Unfortunately, towards the middle section of the story, it tests patience.

The story follows Lily Henshaw, an ordinary office worker whose life gets completely turned around when she and her friends are driving back home. Then suddenly, everything goes wrong. Tormented by memories of that fateful night, Lily begins experiencing strange occurrences that have her explore the unexplained and supernatural. She questions whether these events are part of a divine or malevolent test by God or Satan, or both. She even begins to question her sanity.

Cooper explores complex themes of trauma, violence, death, and human resilience through Lily's vulnerability and determination that makes her a likeable heroine growing in courage. Up to this point, the story offers an interesting storyline, but halfway through, the author adds unnecessary sequences that confuse the reader. The amount of profanity and repetitiveness of the book's title seem too much at times. It made me want to shout, “I get it, it’s Crazy Times!”

Throughout this dark journey, Lily's friendship with Burt offers hope, their bond adding depth through shared trauma, curiosity, and loyalty. The author perhaps could have dug even more into developing the psychology of their connection. But their dynamic does offer a touch of hope amidst the despair when facing seemingly impossible circumstances side by side.

Overall, while the story does have some pacing issues, I can't deny the book also has some intriguing strengths. Weighing all aspects - the pros and cons - I've settled on a 3 out of 5-star rating. The determined examination of complex psychological and existential themes gives it weight and impeccable editing. Cooper does craft genuinely compelling moments that showcase a talent for blending horror and fantasy.

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Crazy Time
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