Review of Crazy Time
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Emily Kwan
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Review of Crazy Time
[Following is a volunteer review of "Crazy Time" by L. Andrew Cooper.]
Crazy Time – A Bizarre Battle with Darkness and the Divine, written by L. Andrew Cooper, is an unconventional horror novel filled with overwhelming darkness that makes you want to take a deep breath in certain chapters after holding your breath at some intense moments.
The absurdity and suffering of the protagonist Lily Henshaw all started from her witnessing the brutal murder of her friends Kris, Eric, and Mia on the highway. As the horrendous incident was merely a herald of the grotesquely unpleasant events that followed, including some unexpected violent assault and tragic loss of family member, Lily couldn’t help but question her own sanity, the intention of God, and mechanism of the universe. Burt, Lily’s boss and later lover, became a haven and partner of Lily when she embarked on the road to seek the ultimate truth of life and death. Lily refused to accept that all the atrocious events happened to her were randomly occurrences. What are the odds that lightning would strike the same spot over and over again as if it's targeted? She wondered if she was cursed, and God was behind all these. Getting closer to the secret of the skyscraper on 1500 Spring Street, Lily and Burt were both drawn to the mysterious and fatal vortex.
It is a well-written surreal and absurd story. The author is very good at using imagery when depicting the experience and illusions of the protagonist. The vivid depiction brings reader not only to the scene of the plots but also into the head of the protagonist. I look forward to seeing an adaptation of it at cinema or theatre.
I have a kind of mixed feeling to this book. It is a page turner, but I couldn’t say I really enjoyed reading all of it due to some of the disturbing plots, the absence of a satisfying resolution or answer at the ending, the unexpected heaviness and the somber mood, but I would rate it 3 out of 4 stars because it managed to make you think out of the cliché worldview, uncomfortably yet effectively. It wouldn't be fair if I give it a low rating just because it is darker than I expected and that some metaphors and references are beyond my knowledge. If I can choose again, I think I would still read this book. It was not the horror entertainment I was looking for, but it is worth reading.
It is recommended to avid readers who have a stomach for a heavy, dark, horrendous, absurd, subtle, symbolic fantasy. For those who are looking for causal reading, feel-good horror, or those who are easily offended by the Nietzsche quotation “God is dead” or any mention of Satanist, this book might not fit your appetite.
******
Crazy Time
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords
Crazy Time – A Bizarre Battle with Darkness and the Divine, written by L. Andrew Cooper, is an unconventional horror novel filled with overwhelming darkness that makes you want to take a deep breath in certain chapters after holding your breath at some intense moments.
The absurdity and suffering of the protagonist Lily Henshaw all started from her witnessing the brutal murder of her friends Kris, Eric, and Mia on the highway. As the horrendous incident was merely a herald of the grotesquely unpleasant events that followed, including some unexpected violent assault and tragic loss of family member, Lily couldn’t help but question her own sanity, the intention of God, and mechanism of the universe. Burt, Lily’s boss and later lover, became a haven and partner of Lily when she embarked on the road to seek the ultimate truth of life and death. Lily refused to accept that all the atrocious events happened to her were randomly occurrences. What are the odds that lightning would strike the same spot over and over again as if it's targeted? She wondered if she was cursed, and God was behind all these. Getting closer to the secret of the skyscraper on 1500 Spring Street, Lily and Burt were both drawn to the mysterious and fatal vortex.
It is a well-written surreal and absurd story. The author is very good at using imagery when depicting the experience and illusions of the protagonist. The vivid depiction brings reader not only to the scene of the plots but also into the head of the protagonist. I look forward to seeing an adaptation of it at cinema or theatre.
I have a kind of mixed feeling to this book. It is a page turner, but I couldn’t say I really enjoyed reading all of it due to some of the disturbing plots, the absence of a satisfying resolution or answer at the ending, the unexpected heaviness and the somber mood, but I would rate it 3 out of 4 stars because it managed to make you think out of the cliché worldview, uncomfortably yet effectively. It wouldn't be fair if I give it a low rating just because it is darker than I expected and that some metaphors and references are beyond my knowledge. If I can choose again, I think I would still read this book. It was not the horror entertainment I was looking for, but it is worth reading.
It is recommended to avid readers who have a stomach for a heavy, dark, horrendous, absurd, subtle, symbolic fantasy. For those who are looking for causal reading, feel-good horror, or those who are easily offended by the Nietzsche quotation “God is dead” or any mention of Satanist, this book might not fit your appetite.
******
Crazy Time
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords
Latest Review: Smart Love by Vincent Fudge II
