Walk the Darkness Down

WOW. My first ever NetGalley read, and what a treat. Thank you to them for the ARC, it will likely be my favorite read of the year. I’d read Magariel’s One of the Boys when it came out and loved it, and was defensive of it when some reviewers chastised it, for its grim portrayal of childhood trauma. I am already equally as defensive of this book about grief.

To me this is an outstanding work of fiction. It oozes style, draws you into its world, and delights with prose on par with any of the greats. I’m sure there will be detractors who will criticize the reality of some moments in the book, but I preemptively counter that reality is stranger than fiction and I think this book does a phenomenal job of capturing that essence, while still remaining grounded.

The greatest strength of this book is it’s pace. At times it crackles with excitement, and slowly smolders others, breathes a hitched sigh, or one of relief. I couldn’t put it down. I am also so impressed with the quality of writing here. There are moments where Magariel reminds me of all my favorites. Denis Johnson’s internal darkness, Cormac McCarthy’s impending doom, Shirley Jackson’s witty but realistic dialog, Joy Williams knack for brevity, to name a handful. These are all just references, and the book never feels like emulation. Here Magariel writes of the blue collar set in such an empathetic way I was reminded of Robert Olmstead’s River Dogs, an out of print book I enjoyed very much. Yet with all these references, there is something that sets it apart from them making it it’s own.

I hope this book puts Daniel Magariel in the conversation for prestigious literary awards and that it finds the success it deserves. It is a perfect balance of form and function; It’s exciting, and heartbreaking, and channels the darkness we can never quite grasp, for it’s just out of reach.

A very atmospheric story about a couple who endured a horrific life-event and are trying to come to terms with their relationship for the remainder of their lives. It doesn’t help that his job requires him to be away for weeks at a time and that she is stubborn and unforgiving. It’s definitely different than most books I’ve read. Very uncomfortable feelings while reading but isn’t that a sign of experiential art? Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.