This work of literary fiction explores themes of loss, grief, fatherhood, religion, and race. While this is a lot to explore, I feel like the author did it all justice without losing the characters or it becoming bogged down. The story is told in an interesting way, in first person with the narrator speaking to “you,” who his deceased son.

I couldn’t decide if it begins to stray into light magical realism around halfway through the book or if there was a more logical explanation that I won’t mention due to spoilers. While this caught me by surprise, I think it was a great way to include the deeply engrained trauma that was a theme of this work. That being said, it does get weird. I really liked getting to follow this story from the narrator’s fascinating perspective and how he had feet on both sides of the fence in many different aspects that this book explores.

-- Just a quick aside that I feel obligated to make as an archaeologist in the U.S.: we will NEVER take your private property from you! I know that it needed to happen for the plot in this book, but if you invite us onto your property to help you identify things or learn about the past, we won’t steal from you (also, we legally can’t, so if someone does try to you can get state/federal laws involved!). I just wanted to make a note of this as we run across folks all the time who think if they tell us about anything interesting that they’ve found on their property that we’re going to imminent domain it. --

I really wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about this book as I was reading it, but it was a fascinating journey with solid depth that will leave me pondering things for a while. I also found the ending wonderfully satisfying. If you’re interested in somewhat experimental literary fiction with heavy themes that are handled well, you’ll love this one. Many thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for allowing me to read this work, which will be published June 18, 2024. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Devil Is Fine is a supremely creative and engaging look at identity, redemption, and haunting. A half-Black, half-White professor/novelist finds both his academic and authorial careers in jeopardy due to both is personal crises and shifting cultural expectations of what a "Black" novel should be in respect to identity, appeal to White gaze, etc.
However these difficulties pale in comparison to coping with the loss of his teenage son, further estrangement from his son's mother, and the mysterious inheritance of land from the White side of his family that was meant for the son.
This brings him into contact with small town Mid-Atlantic bartender/realtor and her group, and they spar and bond as strange things begin to surface in both him and the land.
This is a very compelling novel exploring coping with the horrors of the recent and distant past and how that may manifest in the body and mind.

This one hit me deep. A character-driven masterpiece narrated by the phenomenal Dion Graham. The story follows a grieving father after the loss of his son. His world is shattered, and his only solace is his sometimes quirky humor, which the narrator, Dion Graham portrays perfectly. When he inherits a plantation, things take a surprising turn.

This isn't your typical plantation story. The author blends the real and imagined, past and present, to create a unique exploration of grief, race, and family legacy. It gets a little weird at times (hello, paranormal!), but that's part of the book's charm. It's ultimately a beautiful story about healing and confronting the past. Every time I see a jellyfish, I will be forever reminded of this book.

This wasn't fully my style of story/writing, but enough here worked for me to give it 4 stars. And I totally understand the folks who give it 5 stars because the quality of the writing is great.

The story is about a biracial man whose teen son has very recently died. Over the course of the book you get flashbacks of their relationship as the father processes his grief, his feelings about his own father, and his feelings about his biracial identity. The story does get a bit weird and surreal at points, so you'll be better off if you can enjoy that.

It's hard not to compare this book at least somewhat to Erasure/American Fiction by Percival Everett. Both books have Black academic writers as their MCs, and in both books the writers are struggling to get what they want to write published - though their problems are on opposite ends of the spectrum. In Erasure his books aren't Black enough, and in Devil is Fine they're too Black. A nice catch-22. In any case, I really enjoy the academic/publishing satire of both books as someone who works in academia.

Another layer to the story is the property the narrator inherits. I liked this part a lot though it takes a good while to get going. It's weird because the story treats it as a reveal of sorts, but the fact that the author inherited a plantation is in the synopsis... I don't think it should be in the synopsis since it isn't revealed in the book until 45% of the way in.

I really liked how the flashbacks to the plantation echoed the narrator's attitude toward his son and religion. At least, that's how I read it. It was dark and powerful. Each memory of the narrator with his son was so, so painful. Really well written with believable dialogue and feelings. Very, very provoking and upsetting. I was so frustrated with the narrator and wanted to shake him for all his bad parenting choices. Unlikable protagonist warning on this one.

I think the women are FAR too nice to the narrator given his behavior. That made me roll my eyes a good bit. ;) They just keep coming to his rescue...

One thing that frustrated me about the story was the fact that the "how" of the son's death was withheld until the end. I'm not a fan of reveals that feel unnecessary or false to the voice of the story. The story is in first person, you're telling me the father never thinks about how his son died? You could argue that he doesn't want to dwell on it, but then he'd at least comment on not wanting to dwell on it. I was left guessing - police shooting? No, there would be some kind of case or charges or protest discussed. Suicide? No, the father would be asking himself "why??" and he's not. Overdose? No, the son doesn't seem to have a drug problem... I thought it was silly to withhold the "how" without providing some sort of narrative of avoidance from the father.

I listened to the story via audiobook, which unfortunately wasn't a *great* experience. I appreciate the effort the audiobook narrator put into it because he wasn't bland. But his volume varied a lot so I couldn't hear some things without changing my volume - always annoying as an audiobook listener. He also put a lot of emotion in his reading at times which in theory was good, but I often wanted it to be toned down. That's my personal preference; I imagine for other listeners that will be a strength.

Stories of parenthood and grief over a lost child are not usually of interest to me (sounds heartless, I'm sorry), but this story had enough other elements to work for me. I also thought the flashbacks to father and son interactions were so well written that I was engaged in their story despite myself!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

This book is my favorite kind of tense. It felt a little unresolved as it ended, but I think that is in the nature of the larger discussion. Anticolonialism and racism is a conversation that we are a long ways away from resolving. I love any title that makes marginalization into a horror story without a slasher type arc and this book does it well. I suppose people will disagree that this is horror, but it had southern gothic type of haunting (despite being set in the northeast), and the audiobook gave me skin crawls as the narrator reckoned with a past he did not have a choice in. Thank you NetGalley & Celadon.

Overall I think this was really well done. The nonlinear meta story telling worked well to enable a deft examination of the grief of a father who must reckon with his existence as a biracial man in america in a very visceral way.

I had to knock it a couple points because I was not aware going into it that the story would rely heavily on depictions of events which while ambiguous, very much line up with the symptoms of a psychotic episode. While I can find such depictions valuable and even entertaining in the right context, I was not prepared to ensure I was in the right state of mind going in to the reading experience. Having experienced psychosis, being put into another person’s psychotic episode without warning caused a minor panic attack for me. points for realism i guess? But yeah if you have a history with psychotic symptoms I would advise caution.

Macmillan Audio ALC
This was heartbreaking and tender look at loss of a teenage child from a father's POV, who is having such an understandably hard time. This book explored fatherhood, blackness, culture shifts, and other points - that would be a spoiler if mentioned - in such a uniquely voiced way. The book almost read as a stream of consciousness sometimes and coupled with Dion Graham's narration, made it such a gripping story. It also got a bit weird at times, and I honestly didn't mind it too much. At first I was a bit lost, but it did start feeling like the right thing to fit this story. This is one that will stick with me for a while, and I am so glad I got to listen to the audiobook because the performance really added so much depth to this story.

I'm not normally a literary fiction person, but this story was phenomenal. The storyline, the writing, and the characters. This book went directions that I couldn't have anticipated, but I was enthralled the entire time.

With a remarkable atmospheric vibe, there is deep pain, generational trauma, and an intense beauty within these pages. Vercher mixes regular storytelling with the protagonist speaking directly to his deceased son seamlessly. This creates this morbid conversation throughout his everyday life, where we really get to feel the intensity of this father's guilt.

Blending a unique mix of supernatural horror elements, faith, and redemptive intentions, I was left dumbfounded. I enjoyed this so much. This was definitely a book I enjoyed the entire vibe of. The narration in the audiobook was superb, capturing the vigor and desperation our protagonist feels and the emotions he bottles up and carries around with him over a multitude of reasons.

Well thanks to John Vercher and Dion Graham, I was crying by 3% of this audiobook! The emotions are so raw, it might be a hard book for many to read. The first chapter featuring the father's grief and the construction flagger was so beautiful. Read or listen to that at the very least.

This was the first book by John Vercher I have read. It had some strange elements that I wasn't a huge fan of but overall I liked the plot and loved the narrator. Also enjoyed the humor. Now reading his other books.

there really isnt much else for me to say beyond what has been said about this book already. super emotional and really hit me in the chest with the feels at times. i loved the unexpected weirdness and was shocked by how it surprisingly also fit in really well to the narrative?? also dion graham was a phenomenal narrator as well and he made all the (already very well written) characters come to life!

What an amazing, beautiful, heartbreaking, thought provoking novel. A man tells his story to his son from past and present perspectives. He includes it all. It’s honest, heart wrenching and just go read this as soon as you can. Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to review.

Devil is Fine
John Vercher

For me, this was a rewarding blend of literary fiction and Black gothic. It is an introspective, conversational meditation on family, love, and loss which becomes immeshed in a mind bending ancestral haunting. Oh, and there’s the whole jellyfish thing…

Loved the ride, though occasionally I found myself yelling at the professor to pull himself together and make better choices, lol.

I enjoyed this novel via audiobook and the narration was outstanding.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for providing this audiobook for review consideration via NetGalley.

I’m telling you right now, Dion Graham could narrate any book and I will tune in immediately. He added so much heart to the story through his performance. His delivery, cadence, tone, etc truly captured our main character perfectly. I tandem read this with audio and although the written version is incredible, I will have no choice but to recommend the audio to everyone who enjoys listening to books. I kept finding myself wanting to listen. Dion transported me into this world.

What an absolute pleasure it's been to read John Vercher's newest novel "Devil is Fine" six weeks prior to its June 18th release and to be able to amplify, via this review, what a beautiful and important book he has written. I've read both of Vercher's prior novels and have attended a few events and workshops at which he's presented. His real-life voice is very present in his writing -- intelligent, funny, sharp.

Both of the previous books were notably well-written and interesting (great plots, memorable characters, big stakes) so I had a positive feeling before starting this new audiobook on 5/3/24.. The narrator, Dion Graham, was simply superb. He brings these rich characters to life -- his reading nuanced and just perfect. I cannot recommend the audiobook strongly enough. I also hope it's adapted to film (or, like many books nowadays, to a series) because the material demands to be told in all modalities.

The characters are fantastic (from the unnamed narrator - a guilt-ridden, quick-witted writer/professor - to the diverse and stellar cast of supporting characters in his world). This gang includes a traffic flagger, rideshare driver, and the owner and one customer within "The Thristy Scholar" bar (not a misspelling)! Some of the most emotionally resonant moments take place in that very bar (and some of the hottest "literary" burns 🔥- thank you, Clarence). The supporting players in this genuine "hero's journey" are layered, multi=dimensional and unforgettable.

I won't get into the plot too deeply (other reviews have and that's what the synopsis is for). Briefly, this is a guilt and shame-ridden man who has lost his son in an car accident (for which he feels personally responsible) and, throughout the novel, he is attempting to outrun, outjoke, and outdrink his fear. He lacks, in his own words, bravery and the novels opens with the funeral of his young son. He literally cannot breathe due to panic attacks, and Vercher made me hold my own breath in these moments.

Following the funeral, a series of heavy events ensue (including issues of race, historical documentation, the frenetic shifts in societal support/conflict in academia and in the broader world, the growing chasm of divisiveness (Vercher appropriately calls the "movement du jour") and the reality that America's roots are not remotely objective (to say the least). And -- on top of all of these issues and topics -- these lies a supernatural, other-worldly component in the telling. And jellyfish.

This book is a knockout. The ending lands, heartbreaking but also hopeful, and a legacy is left. For me it felt like nesting dolls of interrelated pieces that come full circle -- ohhhh how I loved that magical flagger. In my real world, nothing touches a moment of compassion from an unexpected source—and this book has many!! Perfectly depicted.

I invite readers to embark on a LITERALLY transformative journey with a character I rooted for in every possible way. Beautiful. Read it on 6/18 and then experience the audiobook. Oh, Dion. And hopefully we'll be able to see it come to life on the screen (the story itself SO rich and ready for adaptation). Thank you #NetGalley and #MacMillanAudio via #CeladonBooks. Just loved this one.

Thank you MacMillan and Celadon for review copies of Devil is Fine; this is a beautifully moving story of loss but also resilience, identity, and race. I love a gentle ode to fatherhood as well, so many books examine parenting through the lens of mothers and Vercher's focus on the male voice, of a father, stands out and is important. The writing and imagery call to mind powerful writing from other writers such as Zadie Smith, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and I was also reminded of Yaa Gyasi's Transcendent Kingdom. I thought the examination of inheriting a plantation during a time of grief, the reconciliation of themes on race, land/ownership, and slavery and biracial identity were deftly done, allowing me as a reader to think about the ideas, to sit with them and examine them just as the main character does

Thank you to Celadon Books for the gifted eARC of DEVIL IS FINE by John Vercher!

DEVIL IS FINE follows a man who is dealing with the unexpected death of his son. When he hears from a lawyer that he has inherited a plot of land from an estranged grandfather he isn't expecting his life to be sent even more out of control with what is discovered in the dirt there.

This book is literary fiction with elements of horror mixed in and I think the author did a fantastic job of blurring reality and the paranormal. The body horror imagery was very striking and there were a few times where I absolutely had to go back a bit and reread because the imagery needed the extra time.

The narrator is biracial and there are a lot of good discussions on identity and belonging. The land he inherits has been passed down through the white side of his family, a plantation that has seen many horrors. The impact of this realization combined with the feelings of grief over his son's death all come through strongly from the page.

This was my first book by John Vercher and I will most definitely be looking to pick up more in the future!

Devil Is Fine by John Vercher

Thank you so much Celadon Books, Macmillan Audio, and Netgalley for the free ARC & audiobook.

Blurb:
A poignant story of what it means to be a father, a son, a writer, and a Biracial American fighting to reconcile the past.

✨ My thoughts:
Oh my goodness, this book. When o wasn’t reading, I was listening to it and I powered through this story without coming up for air. I was not expecting to feel as much as I did, but John Vercher put so much heart into this book, it’s impossible not to feel it. As a mother, this was an absolute nightmare, tearing my heart right of of my chest. This story is one to read or listen to, and I’ll be recommending it to everyone. Dion Graham narrated the audiobook and did a phenomenal job. He really conveyed this story in a way that was raw and compelling. A story of love, loss, and introspection, Devil Is Fine is a must read of 2024. I can’t wait to get my hands on a finished copy when it comes out 6/18/24.

Happy reading 📖

This starts off slow but you’re pulled into the story as the MC is in the process of burying his teenage son. I felt for him, hurt for him and couldn’t stop listening as the narrators voice was so soothing. But then at some point the story gets weird and the jellyfish stuff just honestly didn’t work for me. Thank you to the publisher for sending me an arc and the ALC!