This took me a bit to get into, but as soon as he started traveling, I was along for the journey.
This took me a bit to get into, but as soon as he started traveling, I was along for the journey.

Vercher's novel opens with our narrator experiencing a very convincing, crippling panic attack on the way to his teenage son's funeral. Soon after the funeral he receives a notice that a sizable portion of land has legally passed to him, as it was meant to be given to his son when he reached adulthood. The narrator travels there with the intent of quickly selling it & moving on but things soon become complicated. Vercher's novel has shades (CONT)

I‘m so grateful to be part of the @celadonbooks read together initiative as I discover new authors and book friends.
Yesterday, I received this book (Devil Is Fine) from @jverchwrites ( John Vercher). We will be reading his upcoming book “Three-Fifths” this November.
I can‘t wait to dive into this book and new author to me!
Many thanks to @jverchwrites for this lovely letter and #gifted book!

Vercher crafted a well-done, beautifully written literary novel weaving in dry humor and magic realism to delve into many profound themes. The nonlinear timeline going back and forth from present to past filled in all the blanks perfectly. I highly recommend it!!
Thank you to Celadon Books & NetGalley for eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a powerful novel that is beautifully written. The themes and emotions that it touches on are intense at times, but bring with them a powerful message. At times I did find myself a little lost or confused however; there were things that occurred that I questioned or were completely baffled by. I‘m not really sure why there was the use of magical realism in the story and what part it played in the telling of the tale.

With its stunning cover and exceptional writing within, I‘m shocked this wasn‘t a June pick for any of the book subscription boxes as this is sure to incite lively discussions amongst readers! The raw authenticity & its juxtaposition with some surrealist scenes works really well here. It does get off to a bit of a slow start, but witnessing the author descend into his own past, grief & struggles with identity makes for a unique reading experience!

This has some beautiful prose!
https://reecaspieces.com/2024/06/20/the-devil-is-fine-by-john-vercher-celadonboo...