Review of Coup de Grâce by Sarai Walker: A Journey Through Over-Indulgence
When I first stumbled upon Coup de Grâce by Sarai Walker, I was intrigued by its audacious premise and the promise of a surreal exploration of mental health in the context of cosmic horror. It was being marketed as a "groundbreaking" novel, and I admit, I had high hopes. But as I turned each page, I quickly found myself in a profound struggle, grappling with a reading experience that was unlike anything I had encountered before—one that, unfortunately, left me feeling utterly frustrated and bewildered.
From the outset, the novel centers on Vicken, a deeply unlikable character who hops onto the subway in a desperate bid to drown himself at the beach but finds himself in a labyrinthine purgatory instead. The narrative functions almost like a twisted metaphorical descent into depression, but it often feels like any meaningful exploration of mental illness is overshadowed by an overly complicated writing style that borders on the absurd. I can appreciate "weird" literature, having enjoyed the dense verbiage of authors like Mona Awad and Margaret Atwood, but Walker’s approach felt needlessly convoluted. It was as if every sentence had been through a thesaurus blender—at points, even disorienting.
The prose is rife with moments that should elicit emotional intensity, yet the excessive detail deflates any semblance of urgency or clarity. For instance, when Vicken witnesses a friend fall from a great height, the description is so hyperbolic that it sets the reader up for a dramatic reveal—a reveal that flattens to a mere fractured leg. Seriously? A fall from such a height should leave a mark, and yet the ensuing confusion distracts from any suspense. This feels emblematic of the novel’s overall pacing, which often lingers too long in the weeds of overwrought detail while neglecting plot progression.
The characters, too, are problematic. Vicken and Pashmina serve as vessels for deeper reflections on chronic illness and suicidal thoughts. However, their interactions often devolve into misguided comparisons—Vicken likening his depression to Pashmina’s terminal cancer—an analogy that feels almost grotesquely self-indulgent. For anyone who has struggled with mental health, reducing depression to a mere analogy for cancer strikes as insensitive and oversimplified. Pashmina’s graphically described death feels more like a shock tactic than a meaningful narrative moment, contributing to my growing discontent.
But let’s address the elephant in the room: the writing style. I often encourage readers to embrace dense prose, but in this case, it felt heavy-handed. The metaphorical tunnels seem filled with the detritus of failed literary devices—disjointed subplots that lead nowhere and a plethora of endings that mock the reader for their choices. The scathing jabs at the reader throughout the “choose your own adventure” style endings felt particularly abrasive. Who wants to feel chided for their personal investment?
Despite my intense dislike for the overarching themes and execution, I do admire Walker’s ambition to tackle such heavy subjects. The bits of horror interspersed throughout, including the graphic imagery associated with the tunnels, hint at a talent for conjuring fear and dread. Yet, the core message—especially the reliance on another person as a supposed salvation from one’s inner demons—lands uncomfortably.
In conclusion, Coup de Grâce isn’t a story I would recommend lightly. It’s a novel that seems poised to resonate with those who delve into the darker sides of mental illness, albeit with caution for its graphic content. Yet for readers looking for a story with clarity, engaging characters, and the promise of resolution, I’d suggest seeking other avenues. Personally, it left me questioning the merit of self-indulgence masquerading as art, prompting me to reflect on the balance between experimentation and accessibility in literature. If you’re intrigued by the complex interplay of mental health and surrealism, this might compel you—but be prepared for a disheartening ride.