An Absolute Gentleman by R.M. Kinder, 304 pages.
This was a library find, not on my reading list. As soon as I checked it out, I went to exchange some books with my cousin. She mentioned this book by name (in an effort to play stump the litchick) and I immediately thought, yes! this is one I can look forward to without much trepidation.
A novel about a serial killer living in a small midwestern town as a college professor who has had some success with a novel years ago. The story alternates between his childhood filled with neglect and the present setting. Part of what makes it a goodread, is it's ability to be subtly sinister. There is no graphic violence or things that go bump, but the reader's knowledge that an everyday monster lives in their midst. It reminded me just a touch of Dexter, who perfected the modern evil everyman character. But in this case, the middle aged Arthur Blunt makes an even better foil for the wickedness within. It is so genteel that I found myself rereading passages that alluded to the unspeakable because I completely missed it. And Arthur's self awareness adds to his credibility, after watching the trial of two tortuous murderers he remarks,
"How could I be evil and not know it, since I recognize it when I see it?" pg. 139
And don't we all have moments where our judgement of others reveals the same about us? It is this very unique treatment of a topic that is usually sensationalized. I recommend it - 3.75-4 stars.
The End.
this book sounds pretty interesting. Added to my ever growing list of books!!! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: stacijo | May 03, 2008 at 10:57 PM