Customer Reviews

Growing Through the Ugly: A Novel

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The story is funny and sad at the same time. The small boy is not too sure of why his parents left and also of his own sexual orientation. Growing up mostly with the help of his grandmother and his cousin Red, he is able to finally find himself and make sense of the absurdities that life throws in our path. A good combination of boy's adventures with a touch of emmigrant fiction, very good.

Overall an interesting book. The story is a good one, particularily the concept of looking back on life. The presentation I felt was poor, the strength of the novel was wanting as outlandish sexual exploits became the norm throughout the novel. The book does well in conveying the confusion of adolesence in an environment where all morals and values of decency and humanity have been skewed. Excellent story, betrayed by presentation. Reading this book may repulse some people, however I think that the story is a good read.

I was required to read this book in my college english class. The whole class was repulsed by the nature of the book and most, including myself, found the characters shallow, flat and mechanical. The author does have an interesting style and, at times, paints a good picture. Unfortunatly the pictures that are painted are similar to a Maplethorpe exhibit. I wish there was a 0 star catagory so I could express just how lousy I thought this book was. However, I would strongly recommend it for fans of German pornography or members of NAMBLA (national association of man-boy love).