The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
rivvas's review against another edition
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.5
our_lamp's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
In the hands of another, this could have simply been exploitative, gratuitous, shock-value, but in the hands of Lutzke? The Pale White perfectly operates as an intense yet delicately rendered understanding of heartbreaking trauma, while juggling three beautifully rounded main characters, all in under less than 100 pages of completely gripping storytelling.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Violence, and Cannibalism
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Kidnapping, Body shaming, Mental illness, Sexual assault, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual violence, Addiction, Alcoholism, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, and Trafficking
Minor: Vomit
paulataua's review
3.0
I had heard so much about Chad Lutzke and was really excited about finally reading one of his novellas. Certainly, the subject matter of ‘The Pale White’, three girls escaping from a beachfront house where they were held as sex slaves, was an interesting starting point, and Lutze’s writing was clean and hard-hitting. Although I found the novella perceptive and thought provoking, I also felt it lost its way a little. Stacia’s backstory seemed to be both incomplete and awkwardly inserted, and we were never allowed to get that close to the characters. At least I needed more time with them. The fact that it deals with the effects, both physical and mental, that sex trafficking has on its victims is enough for me to recommend it, but, for me, it fell a little short of what it might have been. I will definitely read more Lutze in the near future.
lloydhanneman's review
5.0
The Pale White is the third Chad Lutzke book I've read, and I'm definitely a fan. Each story has been unique, yet feels familiar. I've seen the phrase I got Lutzke'd on Twitter and that's exactly how The Pale White left me feeling.
This is a short book, at 96 pages, so I won't go into the plot details much. Most chapters are a page or two at most and the sentences are quick and visceral. Alex, Stacia, and Kammie must find a way to escape the house they've been trapped in. But once they're out, where will they go? How can they find justice for what has been done do them but also remain together and not tossed back into the system?
Because of the subject matter, this book is tough to read. As a parent, it's harder yet. Parents will especially relate to wanting nothing more than to protect their children. Lutzke has a way of being gentle with the story (for lack of a better word), filling in just enough detail and leaving the reader to fill in the blanks - it isn't a particularly graphic read, though horrible things happen.
5/5 stars
After being held against their will in a house used for trafficking, three girls plan their escape.
This is a short book, at 96 pages, so I won't go into the plot details much. Most chapters are a page or two at most and the sentences are quick and visceral. Alex, Stacia, and Kammie must find a way to escape the house they've been trapped in. But once they're out, where will they go? How can they find justice for what has been done do them but also remain together and not tossed back into the system?
Because of the subject matter, this book is tough to read. As a parent, it's harder yet. Parents will especially relate to wanting nothing more than to protect their children. Lutzke has a way of being gentle with the story (for lack of a better word), filling in just enough detail and leaving the reader to fill in the blanks - it isn't a particularly graphic read, though horrible things happen.
But we’re not alone. We’re sisters. No, the bond is stronger. We’re the Pale White.
5/5 stars
johnlynchbooks's review
5.0
Chad Lutzke is an author I’ve heard tremendous things about. One thing in particular I’ve heard over and over is his ability to ruin you. After finishing his latest, The Pale White, it’s safe to say that Lutzke lives up to the hype. The Pale White is exceptional.
This is the tale of 3 young girls, all victims of sex trafficking, locked in an attic and only let out when one of Docs's disgusting customers shows up. The girls plot their escape from captivity, and must face not only the men who have committed these heinous crimes, but the emotional damage that they have been subjected to.
I'll admit, prior to starting this book, I was skeptical if Lutzke would be able to pull it off. I wasn’t sure how a male author was going to be able to tackle this subject matter, do it from one of the protagonist's point of view, and manage to write a good book. Chalk that up to me not knowing Lutzke’s work, because what’s in these pages is handled with the utmost care.
This book is absolutely heartbreaking and will scar you emotionally. The entire time I was reading this I couldn’t help but root for the girls, while at the same time feeling devastated by the situation.
Lutzke's care in handling the subject matter, and the disturbing truth that human trafficking is very much a reality, make for a compelling read that you won’t be able put down until its conclusion. This is a powerful book, one that is recommended to any reader, regardless of genre.
This is the tale of 3 young girls, all victims of sex trafficking, locked in an attic and only let out when one of Docs's disgusting customers shows up. The girls plot their escape from captivity, and must face not only the men who have committed these heinous crimes, but the emotional damage that they have been subjected to.
I'll admit, prior to starting this book, I was skeptical if Lutzke would be able to pull it off. I wasn’t sure how a male author was going to be able to tackle this subject matter, do it from one of the protagonist's point of view, and manage to write a good book. Chalk that up to me not knowing Lutzke’s work, because what’s in these pages is handled with the utmost care.
This book is absolutely heartbreaking and will scar you emotionally. The entire time I was reading this I couldn’t help but root for the girls, while at the same time feeling devastated by the situation.
Lutzke's care in handling the subject matter, and the disturbing truth that human trafficking is very much a reality, make for a compelling read that you won’t be able put down until its conclusion. This is a powerful book, one that is recommended to any reader, regardless of genre.
oddly's review
4.0
The one thing I know for certain is that I will always need to read more books by Chad Lutzke.
I am still mostly a newbie to his work, as this was my second book. Lutzke isn't afraid to go to dark places and shine light in the cobwebby corners of horror. His stories are original and emotionally driven, making them an intense reading experience you won't soon forget.
This story follows three young girls and what happens after they escape from a man who's been holding them hostage and selling them for sex. I was intrigued by the "what happens next" narrative; rather than giving us a gory and disturbing run-down of how the girls are abused, their trauma is revealed by their actions. It is a sad portrait of the way traumatic events shape people.
Though the story stands alone as is, I did feel that it could easily have been a full-length novel. There were places that the plot could have easily been expanded, and I wanted to get inside their heads more. If I could have spent more time with the characters, I think the book could have offered more catharsis.
But the writing certainly captivated me, and I do love a one-sitting read that pulls me in on every page. I recommend this one.
My thanks to the author for my copy of this one to read and review.
I am still mostly a newbie to his work, as this was my second book. Lutzke isn't afraid to go to dark places and shine light in the cobwebby corners of horror. His stories are original and emotionally driven, making them an intense reading experience you won't soon forget.
This story follows three young girls and what happens after they escape from a man who's been holding them hostage and selling them for sex. I was intrigued by the "what happens next" narrative; rather than giving us a gory and disturbing run-down of how the girls are abused, their trauma is revealed by their actions. It is a sad portrait of the way traumatic events shape people.
Though the story stands alone as is, I did feel that it could easily have been a full-length novel. There were places that the plot could have easily been expanded, and I wanted to get inside their heads more. If I could have spent more time with the characters, I think the book could have offered more catharsis.
But the writing certainly captivated me, and I do love a one-sitting read that pulls me in on every page. I recommend this one.
My thanks to the author for my copy of this one to read and review.