I should preface this review by saying that this book is not quite my taste. A love story, even one mired in a deliciously post-apocalyptic and bureaucratic setting, is not usually something I enjoy. Moreover, my favorite scenes from this author have tended to be the philosophical ones, and while that rears its head near the middle and end, those diehard lovers of the philosophical would be better off starting with Existential Terror and Breakfast. That said, this is a wonderful book, and one I binged in a single day due to morbid enjoyment.
While the pull of the book is its initial premise, much time is spent building up the main character, Arthur, and his assistant enforcer, Rabia's relationship. While the feminist messaging is a bit too strong to feel narratively woven in in some parts, I didn't think it detracted. Beyond their relationship, most of the rest of the time is spent in a sort of third-person old-world view, where the point of view remarks on the changes between the present time and the time in the book. The quips are interesting, but also something I felt screaming to be visualized. Still, the effects of a nuclear apocalypse are well-explored, and while the book is certainly a slow, slow burn with a bit more character development than I care for, I found every tidbit of the setting interesting.
Of course, the philosophical nuggets were my favorite part, as they always will. About the middle of the book, pencil-pusher and diehard bureaucrat Arthur has an existential crisis and begins doubting his whole way of life. Fueled by some MDMA, his disillusionment with both the extreme and mundane are a wonderful scene, especially when one notes that perhaps a quiet life isn't something to dream about. Avoiding spoilers, at the end Arthur is forced to defend the point of the government, which brings up some great commentary about the government, both in our age and the characters. Honestly, at $0.99, the book is worth it for these two moments, at least for me.
Yet, you get far more for the asking price! The book contains a wonderful black, female lead in Rabia, who kicks some ass in some decently well-written action, especially for someone who does not specialize in it (at least, yet). The asses to be kicked are well described, with imagery of these foul, disgusting humans (morally or physically) being incredibly well-written. Had I a heart and cared about the core relationship and growth in the novel, I probably would have enjoyed it more. That said, in my own twisted way, the thought of the everyday routine in a fallen world still excites me.
In the end, this setting will keep haunting me with new ideas to explore, and for that and the other great moments (and references to the author's other works, including the dark take on Charlie Brown and some heavy Existential Terror and Breakfast spoilers, should you recognize them) make it an easy five stars. I await a sequel if only to expand the one-and-a-half-state reach of the IRS to tax the whole world. I wonder if they'll ever have an issue finding the borders.
TL;DR: This book actively makes me enjoy the IRS collecting taxes. If you want to understand why, read it!
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Reviews with images
Outstanding Read
End times come and go it seems and the IRS keeps a ticking. Fun read and laced with sarcasm and a good helping of humor on this rather dark subject on life and living. Author is talented and tells a good story that is easy to follow and enjoy in this fast moving book. One must read this!
Top reviews from other countries
Andy
Funny, occasionally thoughtful
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 29, 2022