A review by mallorypen
Summer Sons by Lee Mandelo
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was a good book in so many heartbreaking ways. Though it took me a little time to get into it, once the story was underway I was hooked.
This is self-aware Southern Gothic at its finest; the horror elements felt folkloric, and the racism and classicism played an important role in the way the story developed.
The overwhelming part of reading this book - especially with such a good narrator - is the grief. This would not be a comforting read for those dealing with loss, as the ghoul both is and isn’t Eddie. The parody of affection is wrenching, as is Andrew’s slow realization that he and Eddie had been in love but too scared/repressed/unaware to act on it.
I don’t think I understand why Eddie kept Andrew at arm’s length when he moved to Nashville, except that he wanted to explore something that Andrew did not.
Sam’s character was fantastic in his depth; drug dealer, street racer, but caring cousin and emotionally mature lover. His acceptance at the end, giving Andrew a fresh start … oh, heartbreaking but believable given the trauma they went through.
I did kind of call the professor was the bad guy at the beginning, and the pacing did feel a little slow at the onset. But otherwise, this was a haunting, emotional rollercoaster with some beautiful writing.
This is self-aware Southern Gothic at its finest; the horror elements felt folkloric, and the racism and classicism played an important role in the way the story developed.
The overwhelming part of reading this book - especially with such a good narrator - is the grief. This would not be a comforting read for those dealing with loss, as the ghoul both is and isn’t Eddie. The parody of affection is wrenching, as is Andrew’s slow realization that he and Eddie had been in love but too scared/repressed/unaware to act on it.
I don’t think I understand why Eddie kept Andrew at arm’s length when he moved to Nashville, except that he wanted to explore something that Andrew did not.
Sam’s character was fantastic in his depth; drug dealer, street racer, but caring cousin and emotionally mature lover. His acceptance at the end, giving Andrew a fresh start … oh, heartbreaking but believable given the trauma they went through.
I did kind of call the professor was the bad guy at the beginning, and the pacing did feel a little slow at the onset. But otherwise, this was a haunting, emotional rollercoaster with some beautiful writing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Violence, and Death
Moderate: Suicide, Racism, Transphobia, and Homophobia