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A review by basharria
Gil's All Fright Diner by A. Lee Martinez
3.0
An enjoyable, swiftly paced, campy supernatural romp. Despite a flippant, humorous tone, it remains remarkably consistent about its setting. The overall simplicity of the narrative becomes a strength. Coupled with some good humor and character writing, it's a fun, though not spectacular ride.
While our principal characters are enjoyable and well-realized, the book is hampered by its treatment of certain supporting characters. It's clear that mid-2000s comedy sensibilities have aged quite poorly. Loretta, the heavy-set proprietor of the eponymous diner, is treated like a freakish monstrosity--her weight and all of her "jiggling folds" are repeatedly described and despite a sweet disposition she's treated as disgusting. Paired with this is Tammy, our villain, who is a lustful seventeen year old girl. The narrative is obsessed with sexualizing her and peppering the book with many uncomfortable passages. It reflects poorly on the author. I'm curious to see if his later works have matured past this, and if he feels dismayed by his freshman choices.
While our principal characters are enjoyable and well-realized, the book is hampered by its treatment of certain supporting characters. It's clear that mid-2000s comedy sensibilities have aged quite poorly. Loretta, the heavy-set proprietor of the eponymous diner, is treated like a freakish monstrosity--her weight and all of her "jiggling folds" are repeatedly described and despite a sweet disposition she's treated as disgusting. Paired with this is Tammy, our villain, who is a lustful seventeen year old girl. The narrative is obsessed with sexualizing her and peppering the book with many uncomfortable passages. It reflects poorly on the author. I'm curious to see if his later works have matured past this, and if he feels dismayed by his freshman choices.