Unanswered Questions

Although for the past 35 hours or so, I've been completely consumed with the latest read, Late Rain by Lynn Kostoff, the ending was a complete disappointment. I feel like I climbed a mountain only to realize that at the peak it was a virtual simulation that left me unsatisfying-ly still on the ground, the dust climbing my feet. Perhaps, even asking myself why I began climbing the words in the first place.

The best thing about this novel was the language. The quotes that I saved from this novel were wonderful and are great additions to my small (but quickly growing) list. The plot line was fantastic and well planned. It dared the reader to guess what the next page would hold. Up until the last two chapters. Not only were they a bit scarce on information to what actually happened to the characters, they left me questioning the entire novel. Yes, the main plot line that Kostoff wrote about had all the loose ends tied in multiple knots. No leaks there, just like Croy's story to the police. However, I dare pass judgment on the ending by asking: Did Kostoff run out of things to say by chapter sixty-eight? I have been going over the end trying to piece together what happened to Jack Carson exactly. Also, where did Anne disappear to? Has Ben accepted his role as patrol and let go of the demons his wife's death brought to life?

I could go on further asking these questions and fumbling for any sort of explanation that would haphazardly resemble an answer. I don't regret reading the novel, it was worth it. But the salty, bitter, metallic taste that forms in my mouth after a disappointing read feels like it's stuck to my taste buds.


Late Rain on Amazon

Times When Solemn

Still making my way through Late Rain by Lynn Kostoff. This book has its claws underneath my skin and refuses to let go until I've reached the last page. And its claws are sharp. I'm afraid the scratches will leave their scars behind.

The story centers around three people, common with the last book I read, Corrine, Ben, and Jake. Corrine sets a murder in motion and it's all fighting tooth and red-polished nails from there. From the lovely wording to the spine-tingling quotes, Kostoff's writing style shines in this gruesome thriller. When everyone becomes a murderer through various connections, the reader has no choice but to accept the consequences as motive and reason become entangled. Inseparable.

As Kostoff says, "There were times you were expected to be strong. Times when you were supposed to give in to grief and break down. Times when you were supposed to be upbeat. Times when solemn. Times that called for a collection or reactions, a shading of grief and loss."

Little do we know, Kostoff was talking to us, the reader. The force with which Kostoff injects the meaning of these words into the reader demands the elicit reactions that the author predicts, and promises.

With Blunt Force

Have just started Late Rain by Lynn Kostoff and all I can say is "Goodness." Not the type of goodness that has you smiling and wondering where the bad stuff starts, but the type that has you substituting the word "goodness" for other not-as-pretty words. Not to mention, reading certain parts out loud to make sure I'm not misreading any of these well crafted conversations.

It isn't just the fact that Kostoff is outrageously blunt. But it's the way he's blunt that has me so enticed.

Chapter 12:
"This impediment, what will be necessary to remove it? In short, how badly do you want this person hurt and for how long?"
"Six feet and forever," Corrine said.

Next chapter? Oh, yes please.