North Coast Gothic : A Grim Fairy Tale

Rating:
Summary: Pulp Fiction in Cleveland.
Review: Hopefully Amazon will have fixed this charming novel's classification by the time you are reading this, but just in case, this is not a horror story, or even a suspense story, or a mystery. It is, however, a marvelous tale of growing up gothic in Cleveland.

Tom, the narrator tells the story of his experiences as he approaches his thirtieth year. He is a goth by choice, but he is also the owner of a publishing company and a loyal son and friend. By no means is he stereotypical, nor are his compatriots, all of whom share his own search for identify.

The largest part of the story is about his loss of one relationship and the redefinition of several others. It isn't the best of times for Tom, but in reflection, perhaps it is. As he faced crises and worked through his feelings I was charmed and heartened by his willingness to lean into to things and hold onto the good parts. In the end we find that Tom has maintained his identity even as he has flexed and changed. It is an unexpectedly positive novel for one about goths; not that it doesn't have its share of grim stuff.

The writing is absolutely crystalline. This is Crowley's first novel, but I honestly hope he goes on to write more. The characters, as crazy as some are, all ring true and I was quickly absorbed into the story. Considering I was expecting a horror story (it does use the work vampire in the blurb) I am surprised how much I enjoyed the book.

If you are interested in an interesting and moving story of a lifestyle that is really the modern version of the beats, read this book. If you enjoy a straightforward, coming of age / love story, but this book. If you like to occasionally end a book smiling, read ... You know.

Rating:
Summary: Pulp Fiction in Cleveland.
Review: Hopefully Amazon will have fixed this charming novel's classification by the time you are reading this, but just in case, this is not a horror story, or even a suspense story, or a mystery. It is, however, a marvelous tale of growing up gothic in Cleveland.

Tom, the narrator tells the story of his experiences as he approaches his thirtieth year. He is a goth by choice, but he is also the owner of a publishing company and a loyal son and friend. By no means is he stereotypical, nor are his compatriots, all of whom share his own search for identify.

The largest part of the story is about his loss of one relationship and the redefinition of several others. It isn't the best of times for Tom, but in reflection, perhaps it is. As he faced crises and worked through his feelings I was charmed and heartened by his willingness to lean into to things and hold onto the good parts. In the end we find that Tom has maintained his identity even as he has flexed and changed. It is an unexpectedly positive novel for one about goths; not that it doesn't have its share of grim stuff.

The writing is absolutely crystalline. This is Crowley's first novel, but I honestly hope he goes on to write more. The characters, as crazy as some are, all ring true and I was quickly absorbed into the story. Considering I was expecting a horror story (it does use the work vampire in the blurb) I am surprised how much I enjoyed the book.

If you are interested in an interesting and moving story of a lifestyle that is really the modern version of the beats, read this book. If you enjoy a straightforward, coming of age / love story, but this book. If you like to occasionally end a book smiling, read ... You know.