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.