CW: Boy kills a dog - quite disturbing scene
2.5 Stars ( )

This New Zealand import is quite a dark and gripping read with a fascinating main character. The positive resolution of the story, however, is a bit of a cop out given that it seems quite clear that he is a sociopath. ( )

This was a difficult book to read in parts. I didnt like Hamish's personality yet was fascinated by the logic of his reasoning for his actions. Hamish is very intelligent and folds his historical heroes into his narrative. The minor character I liked best was Trev Mitchell, an ex-borstal inmate. Self-analysis does seem to produce some self-understanding in both anger management and in finding modern heroes. ( )