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A review by alingtori
Skippy Dies by Paul Murray
challenging
dark
funny
reflective
slow-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This was one hell of a book. At 661 pages, I didn't expect to finish it in a week.
At the center of it all is of course, the titular character Skippy, whose death we encounter at the start of the book. Despite having his name in the title, Skippy doesn't really stand out much in the story. Instead, we get to hear from a wide set of characters--from students, teachers, priests, school administrator, and even a staff of a diner. Various themes and topics are also discussed--from string theory to pop culture to drug abuse. This might seem chaotic, but the author manages to piece them all together into a story.
It's funny, it's dark, it's informative, it's thoughtful, it's distasteful. But isn't that what life is?
At the center of it all is of course, the titular character Skippy, whose death we encounter at the start of the book. Despite having his name in the title, Skippy doesn't really stand out much in the story. Instead, we get to hear from a wide set of characters--from students, teachers, priests, school administrator, and even a staff of a diner. Various themes and topics are also discussed--from string theory to pop culture to drug abuse. This might seem chaotic, but the author manages to piece them all together into a story.
It's funny, it's dark, it's informative, it's thoughtful, it's distasteful. But isn't that what life is?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, and Eating disorder
Moderate: Addiction, Body shaming, Infidelity, Pedophilia, Racial slurs, Racism, Self harm, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Minor: Cancer and Fatphobia