lisaradocchia's review against another edition
2.0
Let me start by saying I was not expecting this book. I bought it on a whim (read: very, very inexpensive and the back of the book sounded cool) and put it beside my toilet where it would get the most use. Based on the blurb, it’s a book about a guy who is a writer that goes to Carnival and smokes some weed. It is NOT that book. I actually would have preferred a warning of sorts that there is some sexual, physical, and psychological abuse in the story, so I’m sending that warning out to others in case you’re as sensitive as me.
So this character (whose name is barely mentioned, I think it was William) seems to be in love with his only real friend, Laurence. I think he idolizes the guy, but he can’t quite become him so he just looks on and tries not to be awkward around him. Then William’s hot cousin Rachel shows up, who he’s also in love with, but can’t be with (maybe because she’s his cousin?) and they all agree to meet up at Carnival in the Caribbean where they grew up or spent much time, the details are hazy.
So they go. This is the one redeeming part of the book for me, the actual Carnival. The parts that take place in New York are about playing tennis badly and going to bars, so not very good. When they get to the Caribbean, Antoni starts describing things that actually matter, and the book gains some headway. I would be far kinder in reviewing this book if the whole book had the passion, color, and life that the description of the parade had. But instead, Antoni painstakingly describes the protagonist’s awkward interactions with people, and his sexual inadequacies and perversions. I really enjoy a love story, a sex scene, or even well-played longing. This book had none of those things; instead there was real rape, unwanted gay advances, fake rape, assault. I wish it was easier to enjoy the beauty of the carnival dances, or the music, or the sea turtle that makes a late appearance as my favorite character. Antoni simply smashes that beauty into something ugly like punching a supermodel, using dark plot points to punctuate an otherwise pleasant experience.
Plot: Not much to speak of
Descriptions: Fantastic
Worth reading? If you’re interested in the culture of the Caribbean during Carnival.
Overall score: 5 / 10
So this character (whose name is barely mentioned, I think it was William) seems to be in love with his only real friend, Laurence. I think he idolizes the guy, but he can’t quite become him so he just looks on and tries not to be awkward around him. Then William’s hot cousin Rachel shows up, who he’s also in love with, but can’t be with (maybe because she’s his cousin?) and they all agree to meet up at Carnival in the Caribbean where they grew up or spent much time, the details are hazy.
So they go. This is the one redeeming part of the book for me, the actual Carnival. The parts that take place in New York are about playing tennis badly and going to bars, so not very good. When they get to the Caribbean, Antoni starts describing things that actually matter, and the book gains some headway. I would be far kinder in reviewing this book if the whole book had the passion, color, and life that the description of the parade had. But instead, Antoni painstakingly describes the protagonist’s awkward interactions with people, and his sexual inadequacies and perversions. I really enjoy a love story, a sex scene, or even well-played longing. This book had none of those things; instead there was real rape, unwanted gay advances, fake rape, assault. I wish it was easier to enjoy the beauty of the carnival dances, or the music, or the sea turtle that makes a late appearance as my favorite character. Antoni simply smashes that beauty into something ugly like punching a supermodel, using dark plot points to punctuate an otherwise pleasant experience.
Plot: Not much to speak of
Descriptions: Fantastic
Worth reading? If you’re interested in the culture of the Caribbean during Carnival.
Overall score: 5 / 10
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