A review by surdiablo
The Devil All the Time by Donald Ray Pollock

dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The first and last parts were my favorite sections due to how unsettling they were. The author doesn’t shy away from anything, delivering a raw, unflinching narrative that often leaves you aghast. I didn't care much about the side characters but it's a quick, intense read where everything comes together satisfyingly in the end. The unexpected shifts in POV and the exploration of different characters’ thoughts made the experience much more intriguing, although I can see it being jarring for some. Arvin was my favorite and he carried the book whenever I thought my interest was waning. Overall, it’s a dark, grotesque thriller that accomplishes exactly what it sets out to do. However, I wouldn’t recommend this at all to those sensitive about religion or animal cruelty.
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