A review by its_kievan
American Elsewhere by Robert Jackson Bennett

challenging dark emotional mysterious tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

The epitome of great writing and terrible editing. The story of an ex-cop investigating an ominous 50s Americana town is a great one, with one of my new favourite protagonist. But the mystery itself is almost immediately spoiled, as the viewpoint shifts to
the Lovecraftian monsters inhabiting the town
in the first few chapters. Even the secondary twist is underwhelming as a result. As it is, American Elsewhere is interesting but underwhelming. Cut out about 200 pages, and it could have been a masterpiece.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings