Book review –
It is a challenging time for social satire; the world sometimes seems as divided by what it finds funny as it is by politics.
Blood Test is a new novel by Charles Baxter, and draws upon a tried-and-true comic predicament – the little guy who is forced to punch above his weight with a larger entity and that entity is the pharmaceutical industry.
This is a comic novel about a divorced Midwestern dad who takes a cutting-edge medical test and learns that he has a predisposition to murder.
Blood Test: A Comedy is a standout novel that combines humour, heart and a touch of the absurd.
Charles Baxter has crafted a story that is entertaining and thought-provoking, with a protagonist who will resonate with readers.
Within this unique story Baxter’s writing is sharp, witty and full of dry humour; his ability to blend comedy with deeper philosophical questions is masterful, keeping readers engaged.
The pacing is brisk, with each chapter bringing new twists and turns that keep the narrative fresh and exciting.
The dialogue is crisp and realistic, adding to the overall charm of the story.
The doctor who briskly assesses the main character’s pain as stress-related also realises that he has the money to purchase a product a medical start-up company is offering.
It is a blood test that can not only predict health problems down the road, but also behaviours, romantic entanglements or promotions, or propensities to love and hurt.
When the main character impulsively takes the test he is confused when the results come back, predicting that mild-mannered Brock will embark on a major crime wave, and it is likely he is going to commit a murder.
What ensues is a crazy screwball adventure in which Brock tries to outrun his homicidal fate and assert his individual free will.
What he cannot outrun is the allure of knowing what lays ahead.
If he is predestined to murder somebody the likely candidate would be Burt Kindlov, his ex-wife’s boyfriend who is his nemesis.
Burt is a handsome bully, deeply immersed in a Dianetics-type lifestyle practice and he also shamed Brock’s depressed teenage son for being gay.
It is to be remembered that this is black comedy so a mixture of laughter and hurt.
This is not an easy read and most situations arise from pain.
Readers who enjoy literary fiction with a hefty dose of dry humour will get a kick out of this book as it has well-crafted characters who are a blast to spend time with, and its twisty plot makes it the sort of book that is hard to put down.
Julie Chessman
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