dhiyanah's review
4.0
The novel is ambitious with its twists and turns but when it hits the right chords, it hits them loud and clear. Very entertaining.
n_asyikin_'s review
adventurous
dark
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
"Devil's Place" is satire at its best.
Some of the characters were caricatures reflecting Malaysia's racial dynamics, hinting towards a criticism of racism, ethnonationalism, & corruption running rampant in our country. The cynicism was dripping with direct & indirect critical-look into the issues plaqueing Malaysian society.
It was important to note that local racial & homophobic slurs were used to express the pervasiveness of bigotry. And the caricature-like depictions of most characters were meant to emphasize on the narrator's mainly sarcastic undertone, critical of the bigotry in display. However, I do have an issue with the use of the n-word in this book. I get that Gomez was attempting to depict the incredulity of the situation, i.e., The scene did well to highlight racism & colourism in a space where locals & white migrants interacted. However, I don't think it was right for Gomez to spell out the n-word for "authenticity"; they could've bleeped out the word as no one but Black people could make a claim for it. To be fair, I think most Malaysians aren't aware of the history & implication behind the term - hence why some casually used the term, though ignorance is still an inexcusable especially with the advent of technology & social media. Moreover, Gomez relatively astute understanding of the global political dynamic (as succintly indicated in the story) informed me that they should know better; should do better. Yes, the word only appeared in one short scene, but it still appeared 3 times too many.
Aside from that blip though, Gomez writing was brilliant. I found myself unable to stop turning the page. In between the ridiculousness of it all was the sinking realization of a stark reality. Gomez cushioned the blow with top-class witticism, but what spoke loudest to me was the sharp criticism on the moral corruption underlying politics that can be extracted in between the lines. The effortlessness in which the message was imbedded was spot on; more so, in the satirical context.
Moreover, the story provided greatest priority, or power to the most vulnerable. From the mostly cynical tone of the narration, we were met with the humanization of Ning, the sex worker; the disregard to her value as a human being highlighting a universal moral failure towards the most vulnerable in society, colouring Ning in tenderness. Shout out to Pak Jam as well; he might be one of my personal favourites fictional characters with his wisecrack wisdom & coolness under pressure.
"Devil's Place" is a top-class story exploring the moral & political corruptions in Malaysian society, written with such impressive wit, that you'd be left laughing from the hilarity despite the sickening feelings evoked by the bleak outlook.
Some of the characters were caricatures reflecting Malaysia's racial dynamics, hinting towards a criticism of racism, ethnonationalism, & corruption running rampant in our country. The cynicism was dripping with direct & indirect critical-look into the issues plaqueing Malaysian society.
It was important to note that local racial & homophobic slurs were used to express the pervasiveness of bigotry. And the caricature-like depictions of most characters were meant to emphasize on the narrator's mainly sarcastic undertone, critical of the bigotry in display. However, I do have an issue with the use of the n-word in this book. I get that Gomez was attempting to depict the incredulity of the situation, i.e.,
Spoiler
some Malaysian Indians believing that their dark skin-tone reflect affinity with Black people, hence the use of the word.Aside from that blip though, Gomez writing was brilliant. I found myself unable to stop turning the page. In between the ridiculousness of it all was the sinking realization of a stark reality. Gomez cushioned the blow with top-class witticism, but what spoke loudest to me was the sharp criticism on the moral corruption underlying politics that can be extracted in between the lines. The effortlessness in which the message was imbedded was spot on; more so, in the satirical context.
Moreover, the story provided greatest priority, or power to the most vulnerable. From the mostly cynical tone of the narration, we were met with the humanization of Ning, the sex worker; the disregard to her value as a human being highlighting a universal moral failure towards the most vulnerable in society, colouring Ning in tenderness. Shout out to Pak Jam as well; he might be one of my personal favourites fictional characters with his wisecrack wisdom & coolness under pressure.
"Devil's Place" is a top-class story exploring the moral & political corruptions in Malaysian society, written with such impressive wit, that you'd be left laughing from the hilarity despite the sickening feelings evoked by the bleak outlook.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism, Blood, Death, Excrement, Homophobia, Police brutality, Racial slurs, Religious bigotry, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Vomit, and Xenophobia
tiarabooks_'s review
4.0
Ridiculously funny and thrilling! An unputdownable, fast-paced Malaysian urban story.
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