5/13/2023 0 Comments Knockemstiff by Donald Ray Pollock![]() ![]() To them, this is life, and we, as readers, are just catching snapshots of the endless cavalcade of setbacks, heartaches and generational misfortune that make up the detritus of their existence. His characters, beyond a few passing thoughts, rarely reflect upon the disconsolate nature of their existence. What makes this work so powerful is that Pollock completely eschews melodrama. However, despite the unpleasantness, this is just wonderful. The setting, the people, the stories described by Pollock are so depressed, so downtrodden, and so hopelessly trapped in a cycle of economic hardship and misery that reading this can truly mess with your wellbeing. ![]() Seriously, Knockemstiff is unrelentingly grim. This is terrific stuff.but, ho doggie, can this man write himself into your happy zone and shit bleak all over it. This is my first experience with Donald Ray Pollock experience, and I'm already a devout admirer of his talent as a storyteller. If you're given the choice between living in Knockemstiff, Ohio, or having your naughty bits gnawed to shreds by a ravenous honey badger… ![]()
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