the more larocca i read, the more i enjoy (and a fellow bostonian i've learned!!). well maybe not "enjoy" as this was a tough read, but certainly appreciate. as usual, i’m left a bit dazed after reading larocca’s work. what did i just read? how do i interpret it? how does it all fit together? thus i’m off to reddit to try and pick up on the symbolism i missed.

the juxtaposition of tenderness and violence is particularly thought-provoking in a very jarring way. larocca has an uncanny ability of making things read equally poetic and horrifying which compounds on the topics. and larocca’s use of mixed media is so unique in it’s ability to comment on the story’s themes and build up the world. it almost feels like little intermissions throughout. i’m curious to see how/if they come together in the grand scheme. who could say if this it’s a valid interpretation of the faceless family (they’re quite mysterious), but i see them as symbolic of faceless impersonal violence both done unto others (how they are treatment in the basement - yes it starts as revenge but i'd argue it turns into violence for the sake of violence) and done unto you (the parade massacre's effect on the community). kinda seeing it from a few different angles as well: the town elders, mr esherwood, gladys, and rupert. in fact larocca’s comment on the goodreads page for this book speaks about unchecked violence in america, the failures of society to prevent it, and the consequences/reactions to it - so maybe i'm on the right track. other layers to this are the experiences of an inactive bystander (viewed both through rupert and gladys looking the other way), and desensitization to violence and how is begets cruelty under the guise of justice.

i'm looking forward to this being a trilogy as i think it’ll continue to explain alot and the set up for book two is very interesting. it almost feels like something that belongs on that tv anthology series "channel zero". i think sitting in this for a while will help me digest it, there’s a lot to ponder. yes it’s all incredibly uncomfortable (some may call sections gratuitous and uncalled for - i agree for a few but am on the fence for others), and yes i definitely didn’t understand some parts, but it forces reflection. even if i didn’t love it to death, i always appreciate a darker book that really makes you think and i'm happy to give it the flowers its due.

please take a look at the trigger warnings before reading, they are extensive and cornerstones of the book.