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!

The MMC of this book is mourning the loss of his son, which also affected his marriage. Now he has received a letter from an attorney that he has inherited a plantation. Given that the narrator is a biracial black man, this news is conflicting.

This book saw the journey of a father mourning the loss of his son. Some aspects left you wondering what was real and what wasn't. Granted, the MMC is also wondering the same thing: is it loss, drinking, or something paranormal? He talks aloud to his dead son often while he is trying to move on with everything, including the inheritance of the plantation by the beach. I enjoyed this book and all the emotions that came with it. I cannot imagine what one goes through with the loss of a child, but this book seemed to catch on to it.