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The Death and Life of Zebulon Finch #2
The Death and Life of Zebulon Finch, Volume Two: Empire Decayed
From the coauthor of the New York Times bestselling The Shape of Water comes the second and final book in the “utterly riveting” (Entertainment Weekly) epic tale about a murdered teen who is resurrected to walk the earth for more than a century.Zebulon Finch has faced more violence, lust, and heartbreak than any other seventeen-year-old in history. But nothing can prepare him for what is coming next. Half a century has passed since Zebulon Finch was gunned down and then inexplicably resurrected to experience a second life. Picking up his tale where he left off, Zebulon heads to Nazi Germany on a top-secret mission. From there he escapes to the shiny new world of the suburbs—a tidy neighborhood hiding dark secrets. He will exchange the pains of this world for what he believes will be peace among the stars. He will march for social change all the way to Woodstock, go raving mad in the desert, and finally exit from humanity the only way he knows how. We first met Zebulon sealed in a tomb beneath the World Trade Center—might he yet crawl from the rubble to discover a different America? Enthralling and gut-wrenching, The Death and Life of Zebulon Finch, Volume Empire Decayed is the conclusion to the epic saga of one young man’s journey down the long road to redemption.
801 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 25, 2016
32 people are currently reading
1144 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Kraus
79 books1,362 followers“Kraus brings the rigor of a scientist and the sensibility of a poet.” – The New York Times
DANIEL KRAUS is a New York Times bestselling writer of novels, TV, and film. WHALEFALL received a front-cover rave in the New York Times Book Review, won the Alex Award, was an L.A. Times Book Prize Finalist, and was a Best Book of 2023 from NPR, the New York Times, Amazon, Chicago Tribune, and more.
With Guillermo del Toro, he co-authored THE SHAPE OF WATER, based on the same idea the two created for the Oscar-winning film. Also with del Toro, Kraus co-authored TROLLHUNTERS, which was adapted into the Emmy-winning Netflix series. His also cowrote THE LIVING DEAD and PAY THE PIPER with legendary filmmaker George A. Romero.
Kraus’s THE DEATH AND LIFE OF ZEBULON FINCH was named one of Entertainment Weekly‘s Top 10 Books of the Year. Kraus has won the Bram Stoker Award, Scribe Award, two Odyssey Awards (for both ROTTERS and SCOWLER), and has appeared multiple times as Library Guild selections, YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults, and more.
Kraus’s work has been translated into over 20 languages. Visit him at danielkraus.com.
DANIEL KRAUS is a New York Times bestselling writer of novels, TV, and film. WHALEFALL received a front-cover rave in the New York Times Book Review, won the Alex Award, was an L.A. Times Book Prize Finalist, and was a Best Book of 2023 from NPR, the New York Times, Amazon, Chicago Tribune, and more.
With Guillermo del Toro, he co-authored THE SHAPE OF WATER, based on the same idea the two created for the Oscar-winning film. Also with del Toro, Kraus co-authored TROLLHUNTERS, which was adapted into the Emmy-winning Netflix series. His also cowrote THE LIVING DEAD and PAY THE PIPER with legendary filmmaker George A. Romero.
Kraus’s THE DEATH AND LIFE OF ZEBULON FINCH was named one of Entertainment Weekly‘s Top 10 Books of the Year. Kraus has won the Bram Stoker Award, Scribe Award, two Odyssey Awards (for both ROTTERS and SCOWLER), and has appeared multiple times as Library Guild selections, YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults, and more.
Kraus’s work has been translated into over 20 languages. Visit him at danielkraus.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
March 27, 2018
Okay, this is my first Goodreads review, and I don't really know what I'm doing, but I need to write about this book. This book (and the duo as a whole) is beautiful and horrifying and gruesome and sweet. In other words, a literary masterpiece. Having just finished it five minutes ago, I'm still reeling. My thoughts may be a bit scattered.
This book was not my favorite book, but it struck something within me. I have never come off from reading a book feeling the same way I do now. I can't quite express it in words - it feels although I have been enlightened, but I don't know what of. If I had to pick a book to say changed me as a person, I would pick this one.
At first, I was nervous about reading The Death and Life of Zebulon Finch, Vol 1 due to the reviews I read about it being gory and gruesome. However, the premise was fascinating enough that I picked it up anyway. Let me add a disclaimer: I am 15 years old, and this series did have several graphic scenes, but they were bearable and added a needed layer to the story. Also, the language is advanced (quite frankly this book should be shelved as Adult), but not too bad. Don't let the macabre scenes drive you away from this series. It's worth it.
Now onto the real review. This is sort of a combination of the first and second book. This series follows the life - or death, rather - of Zebulon Finch. Zebulon is a flamboyant rich-kid turned mobster with an affinity towards violence. He immediately hooks the reader with his tone and sarcastic language. On one fateful day in 1896, he is killed at age 17, but wakes up 17 minutes later. His heart doesn't beat, he does not feel pain, he does not eat. He is dead in every aspect, save for the fact that he can still walk and talk. Zebulon is a very flawed character, and it is one of the reasons I love this series so much. He does villainous things, gets himself into trouble with his mouth, and wreaks all around havoc, but this just makes it a greater joy to watch him develop as the series goes on. And let me say, the character development is spot on.
The second novel picks up where the first left off - with Zebulon plunging into WWII. Rather than follow a similar storyline as the first book, where Zebulon fought in the trenches during WWI, Kraus shakes it up a bit, putting Zebulon in a secret mission to assassinate Hitler. I'm going to keep this review relatively spoiler free, so I won't go into much more detail.
The one part of this book that I didn't love was the chapters spanning 1962-1969, which just didn't live up the mastery of the previous 1957-1962 (which were probably my favorite chapters in the series. The ending was heart wrenching and beautifully written). However, the excitement picks back up with the next section, spanning the years 1970-1984. These chapters are the most morbid and gruesome of the book, and there were a few times when I had to put the book down to collect myself. Despite this, the horrific scenes Kraus depicts adds to Zebulon's character, showing how, despite trying to reform himself, he is easily mislead. A major reveal at the end of this section leaves both Zebulon and the reader reeling and emotionally spent.
Now to the ending. What a magnificent thing. It is emotional and heartbreaking. At this point, Zebulon has gone from a bloodthirsty member of the maleficent Black Hand to a man who wants to redeem himself for his sins, and to not inflict harm on others. He throws his everything into saving another character from a dark fate, and the reader sees the full 180 his character has achieved. I absolutely loved the last pages of Zebulon's written memoir, where he addresses his relationship with the reader directly, making it feel like he is really talking to you.
And then the very end. Confusing at first, but as you read on, the pieces fall into place. The book keeps you on the edge of your chair until the end.
As for the very last page of the novel, I had it spoiled for me, unfortunately, but that didn't make it any less powerful. A perfect way to end a near perfect series.
I would recommend this series to anyone willing to forge through the loooong books (filled with slightly difficult language). You have to have dedication for these to be enjoyable. If you love history, like myself, then this is definitely a good read. It spans about a century of history, going into detail for each decade. The history was just as fascinating to me as the actual plot. Lastly, I wouldn't read this if you're really young, just because of the style in which it is written, and some of the more graphic scenes. This book touched me like no other has, and it should be read by everyone. I highly recommend it.
Okay, well, there's my first review. I hope it's helpful to anyone reading it. :)
This book was not my favorite book, but it struck something within me. I have never come off from reading a book feeling the same way I do now. I can't quite express it in words - it feels although I have been enlightened, but I don't know what of. If I had to pick a book to say changed me as a person, I would pick this one.
At first, I was nervous about reading The Death and Life of Zebulon Finch, Vol 1 due to the reviews I read about it being gory and gruesome. However, the premise was fascinating enough that I picked it up anyway. Let me add a disclaimer: I am 15 years old, and this series did have several graphic scenes, but they were bearable and added a needed layer to the story. Also, the language is advanced (quite frankly this book should be shelved as Adult), but not too bad. Don't let the macabre scenes drive you away from this series. It's worth it.
Now onto the real review. This is sort of a combination of the first and second book. This series follows the life - or death, rather - of Zebulon Finch. Zebulon is a flamboyant rich-kid turned mobster with an affinity towards violence. He immediately hooks the reader with his tone and sarcastic language. On one fateful day in 1896, he is killed at age 17, but wakes up 17 minutes later. His heart doesn't beat, he does not feel pain, he does not eat. He is dead in every aspect, save for the fact that he can still walk and talk. Zebulon is a very flawed character, and it is one of the reasons I love this series so much. He does villainous things, gets himself into trouble with his mouth, and wreaks all around havoc, but this just makes it a greater joy to watch him develop as the series goes on. And let me say, the character development is spot on.
The second novel picks up where the first left off - with Zebulon plunging into WWII. Rather than follow a similar storyline as the first book, where Zebulon fought in the trenches during WWI, Kraus shakes it up a bit, putting Zebulon in a secret mission to assassinate Hitler. I'm going to keep this review relatively spoiler free, so I won't go into much more detail.
The one part of this book that I didn't love was the chapters spanning 1962-1969, which just didn't live up the mastery of the previous 1957-1962 (which were probably my favorite chapters in the series. The ending was heart wrenching and beautifully written). However, the excitement picks back up with the next section, spanning the years 1970-1984. These chapters are the most morbid and gruesome of the book, and there were a few times when I had to put the book down to collect myself. Despite this, the horrific scenes Kraus depicts adds to Zebulon's character, showing how, despite trying to reform himself, he is easily mislead. A major reveal at the end of this section leaves both Zebulon and the reader reeling and emotionally spent.
Now to the ending. What a magnificent thing. It is emotional and heartbreaking. At this point, Zebulon has gone from a bloodthirsty member of the maleficent Black Hand to a man who wants to redeem himself for his sins, and to not inflict harm on others. He throws his everything into saving another character from a dark fate, and the reader sees the full 180 his character has achieved. I absolutely loved the last pages of Zebulon's written memoir, where he addresses his relationship with the reader directly, making it feel like he is really talking to you.
And then the very end. Confusing at first, but as you read on, the pieces fall into place. The book keeps you on the edge of your chair until the end.
As for the very last page of the novel, I had it spoiled for me, unfortunately, but that didn't make it any less powerful. A perfect way to end a near perfect series.
I would recommend this series to anyone willing to forge through the loooong books (filled with slightly difficult language). You have to have dedication for these to be enjoyable. If you love history, like myself, then this is definitely a good read. It spans about a century of history, going into detail for each decade. The history was just as fascinating to me as the actual plot. Lastly, I wouldn't read this if you're really young, just because of the style in which it is written, and some of the more graphic scenes. This book touched me like no other has, and it should be read by everyone. I highly recommend it.
Okay, well, there's my first review. I hope it's helpful to anyone reading it. :)
November 30, 2016
How do I even rate a book like this? Like all of Daniel Kraus's books, it was visceral and disturbing, but also weirdly beautiful. It's the kind of book that challenges what a young adult book can be.
The most disturbing part for me was
Zebulon Finch is like the anti-Forrest Gump. And the ending was profoundly odd and will require additional readings to digest it properly.
The most disturbing part for me was
Zebulon Finch is like the anti-Forrest Gump. And the ending was profoundly odd and will require additional readings to digest it properly.
October 10, 2016
I described the first Zebulon Finch book as "Eighteen separate layers of awesome drizzled with a liberal helping of amazing." The second and final book of the series receives almost equal praise. Although I would only grant this book sixteen layers of awesome, that is still a significant portion of awesome, and well above the daily-recommended amount.
The Death and Life of Zebulon Finch continues to be one of the best young adult series that I have ever read. With a writing style reminiscent of "Johnathon Strange and Mr. Norrell" and an intensely dark and creepy story.
The second volume follows Zebulon as he continues in undeath from WWII until the late 90's. While I find the time period less interesting than the first half of the twentieth century, it still grabbed me right from the first sentence. I found this second volume to be much darker and more pessimistic than the first, which made me happy, but could scare off some more easily bothered readers.
TL;DR : The second book was amazing, but more intense and disturbing than the first. Grab it if you loved the first one.
-Vito
The Death and Life of Zebulon Finch continues to be one of the best young adult series that I have ever read. With a writing style reminiscent of "Johnathon Strange and Mr. Norrell" and an intensely dark and creepy story.
The second volume follows Zebulon as he continues in undeath from WWII until the late 90's. While I find the time period less interesting than the first half of the twentieth century, it still grabbed me right from the first sentence. I found this second volume to be much darker and more pessimistic than the first, which made me happy, but could scare off some more easily bothered readers.
TL;DR : The second book was amazing, but more intense and disturbing than the first. Grab it if you loved the first one.
-Vito
February 8, 2017
We’ve all read this kind of review – the one that hyperbolizes, fanboys, laments how there are no words for how the book made them feel or to accurately describe its quality.
But those books, as fantastic as they may be, feel utterly common when placed next to Empire Decayed. To witness this achievement, began in book 1, is nothing short of miraculous. Even the word sublime does little to convey its effectiveness. Is there a word that means the same, but indicates a darker connotation, a heartwrenching, emotionally draining work? All of our best words are clichés, now: masterpiece, flawless, tour-de-force, and even without being clichés they are not enough for this.
Know this:
• It’s very different from book one. Things move by quicker, but with good reason, and this fits the shift in historical focus. I may have liked the setting of book one more, but both are equally good for different reasons.
• This is powerful. This is relevant. This feels important now more than ever. Zebulon’s character progression is truly complete here, and at its climax is one of the most emotionally involving pieces of literature that I’ve ever read.
• Kraus’ prose, as always, is magnificent. You should really read all of his books, but to better appreciate this one, at least read Scowler first.
• To further appreciate Empire Decayed, follow these instructions from the author himself:
o Make sure you have over an hour of uninterrupted reading time to finish the last two chapters.
o Cue up the track “dlp 1.1” from the album The Disintegration Loops by William Basinski. The song is one hour and three minutes long.
o Start the track when you begin Section 12, Chapter 12. When you finish that chapter, continue to the epilogue.
o Read the epilogue slowly. Understand what you can.
o When you finish, the music will still be playing. Close your eyes until it is finished.
It’s a huge commitment to read both of these novels: they’re difficult and lengthy. But it is absolutely worth it, their quality is beyond description, their power beyond what we’ve come to expect from books with the YA label.
But those books, as fantastic as they may be, feel utterly common when placed next to Empire Decayed. To witness this achievement, began in book 1, is nothing short of miraculous. Even the word sublime does little to convey its effectiveness. Is there a word that means the same, but indicates a darker connotation, a heartwrenching, emotionally draining work? All of our best words are clichés, now: masterpiece, flawless, tour-de-force, and even without being clichés they are not enough for this.
Know this:
• It’s very different from book one. Things move by quicker, but with good reason, and this fits the shift in historical focus. I may have liked the setting of book one more, but both are equally good for different reasons.
• This is powerful. This is relevant. This feels important now more than ever. Zebulon’s character progression is truly complete here, and at its climax is one of the most emotionally involving pieces of literature that I’ve ever read.
• Kraus’ prose, as always, is magnificent. You should really read all of his books, but to better appreciate this one, at least read Scowler first.
• To further appreciate Empire Decayed, follow these instructions from the author himself:
o Make sure you have over an hour of uninterrupted reading time to finish the last two chapters.
o Cue up the track “dlp 1.1” from the album The Disintegration Loops by William Basinski. The song is one hour and three minutes long.
o Start the track when you begin Section 12, Chapter 12. When you finish that chapter, continue to the epilogue.
o Read the epilogue slowly. Understand what you can.
o When you finish, the music will still be playing. Close your eyes until it is finished.
It’s a huge commitment to read both of these novels: they’re difficult and lengthy. But it is absolutely worth it, their quality is beyond description, their power beyond what we’ve come to expect from books with the YA label.
February 3, 2017
This book made me feel a lot of feelings. Just like the first volume, it's very slow and full of climaxes and falling actions. But this volume felt so much more real. Zebulon is achingly human. It almost hurts to read, but that's how every human is. He messes up, panics, and tries to fix what he's done. He did a lot more crazy stuff in this book compared to the last one, but he is so much more mature in this book. You can tell that his true age is finally catching up to him, even if he doesn't look it. He's no longer a forever 17 year old trying to live his life like a 17 year old, he is an old man who looks like he is 17 and is just trying to get through life.
But can we mention the last 20+ pages? What was that? It almost makes you think that he's reached some sort of complete insanity and he truly can never die. All in all, this book made me look at life in a different way and taught me how to make sacrifices for those around me, even a simple stranger that appears to be struggling or someone who wronged me years and years ago. I'll miss Zebulon, it was written in a way that made it feel like he was actually talking to you, one on one. He truly felt like he was more than a fictional character.
But can we mention the last 20+ pages? What was that? It almost makes you think that he's reached some sort of complete insanity and he truly can never die. All in all, this book made me look at life in a different way and taught me how to make sacrifices for those around me, even a simple stranger that appears to be struggling or someone who wronged me years and years ago. I'll miss Zebulon, it was written in a way that made it feel like he was actually talking to you, one on one. He truly felt like he was more than a fictional character.
October 30, 2016
This book rocked my world as much as the first one did and now I'm actually kind of in mourning.
This book is graphic and gritty and will probably offend and horrify and I loved every glorious moment of it! Zebulon Finch is completely epic and a beautiful tribute to life. Live your life, live with fear and live your life well as it is short and not at all guaranteed.
I would highly recommend this duology to anyone who has loved Anne Rice's vampires or Mayfair Witches.
Beautiful work, Daniel Kraus!
This book is graphic and gritty and will probably offend and horrify and I loved every glorious moment of it! Zebulon Finch is completely epic and a beautiful tribute to life. Live your life, live with fear and live your life well as it is short and not at all guaranteed.
I would highly recommend this duology to anyone who has loved Anne Rice's vampires or Mayfair Witches.
Beautiful work, Daniel Kraus!
December 1, 2024
I cannot begin to describe how good this book is. It had everything you could want. Space and sci-fi? Got it. Body horror? Got it. Spy and historical? Got it. The saddest scene in any book that will make you die crying? Absolutely! This is my favourite book and you cannot understand the finesse and skill used. This is a masterpiece and the ending is absolutely perfect. Read it and be enlightened.
Sorry, I read Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep. This is now my second favourite book.
Sorry, I read Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep. This is now my second favourite book.
October 27, 2024
Good Gød.
October 23, 2021
This was very well written. I enjoyed it. I could have done without all the occult symbolism. And also I kept seeing weird parallels between this serious and Forrest Gump.
December 30, 2021
The moment I completed reading ‘The Death and Life of Zebulon Finch: Volume Two - Empire Decayed,’ I wanted to applaude —what a masterful piece of writing! Instead, the sensitive I am fought back tears and released a breath as if I had been holding it. Had I been? For how long? The 642 pages of the first volume? The 771 pages of this second volume? Or truly the entire collective of 1,413 whopper of a whopping pages??
I have no certain answer, I just know the exhaled breath that I didn’t realize required exhalation was due to the sensation of having completed two half marathons extremely consecutively, both literal in how I read the volumes and figurative in the sensation itself.
Where to truly begin?…there’s so much to unpack.
How about here?: Like its predecessor Volume One, Volume Two is a walk through history—albeit, light on details and possibly, sometimes accuracy, due to viewing it all via Zebulon’s mostly self-absorbed lens. Indeed, a sweeping and crazed exploration of and across large American events.
Loaded with quotes this nerdy, note-taking, quip-loving reader scrawled down several of, it may help the focus of this biased (I adore Zebulon, even though I shouldn’t) book review to zero in on ones that tied to the large themes of both volumes.
Humanity seems to trump. It is the umbrella from which all the other themes dangle. If you were to “meet” Zebulon Finch, to “listen” to him narrate this double-tome of pages, talking about himself, but then in turn, speaking about every one of us in a large, overall sense, you would quickly see the irony of a personality such as his tackling humanity. But he does, and in doing so, acquires some of his own.
“…to be humane one must partake in humanity.” pg. 671. That alone, no, is not enough to prop up to the light how and where and why Zebulon Finch, in the beginning a youth full of violence, hate, and racism. But the above partial quote comes directly from his own thoughts. So, it is also a short example of his version of a softenening of the heart, of sorts, that he experiences.
Certainly, for the numerous and innumerable characters that are artfully woven in and out of his existence, he comes to care deeply, in his own way, for a handful of them.
At one point (pg. 173, for an exact spot), he even breaks humanity down in a way, that if you also were to read this novel, relates directly to who he is: “By becoming less than human—by becoming animal—might one indeed become *more* than human?”
Zebulon eventually gains so much insight regarding humanity, that he turns the proverbial mirror on himself in a head-on manner: “For me to glance backward would have been to see how my shoes had rubbed off the golden veneer, not to mention the countless witches upon whom I’d dropped countless houses. I have been the wickedest witch of all…” pg. 734.
And further on page 738: “I saw your tolerant smile when I was insulting, heard your hitched breath when I requested witness, felt your arms around me when I needed to be upheld…What you do with your time alive defines you, but hear me, I beg you, when I say that you are *not done being defined.* Go out; break things. Go further; repair them…live as hard as I…”.
He also touches upon freedom, or rather, what he feels it is actually: “Don’t let pain come from sources that would barbarize your soul—senseless war, domestic abuse, and on, and on. To choose the source of your pain is the only true freedom you have.” pg. 536.
Both volumes end up becoming a discussion about another theme, the decline of society, and naturally via a chronical approach, how the eventual prevalence of technology has largely contributed.
Besides theme, two other things I want to note are these: Klaus’ humility about his writing when he breaks the fourth wall several times toward the close of this second volume, very noticeably via the then-current plot, which involves the reading of a section of the Bible, when his own character, our infamously, irrationally beloved Zebbie states that the writing (tongue-in-cheek: this extensive treat that Klaus has given birth) is “Floundering, maladroit, inerudite…thronged with directionless characters…recklessly overambitious in scope..” (pg. 689)…Again, I’ve become quite biased and find it anything but. To me, it’s an amazing piece of writing, astounding in its uniqueness, awesome in its dark-sided adventures, entertaining in its cavort through time. I won’t soon forget it, and simultaneously wish something else like it would come along, while also hoping nothing ever does.
Final thought, I promise, the second of the “other two things”: From the first page of volume one to the last page of volume two, this could not possibly be intended, at least by Kraus himself, to be meant for the consumption of a young reader. The publishing house has grossly mislabeled a masterpiece, far too voluminous on so many levels for a person between the ages of 12-17 to fully grasp. In particular, would the absolute youngest of young readers connect with the final American event, that while modern in its historical position, still occured prior to their births? I think not reflecting on describing that particular day to my offspring showed an immediate disconnect inside her bored orbs.
Not enough fantastic words, nor star ratings available to convey this epic literary adventure. Really. Just secure some free time and hunker down for this worthy committment.
I have no certain answer, I just know the exhaled breath that I didn’t realize required exhalation was due to the sensation of having completed two half marathons extremely consecutively, both literal in how I read the volumes and figurative in the sensation itself.
Where to truly begin?…there’s so much to unpack.
How about here?: Like its predecessor Volume One, Volume Two is a walk through history—albeit, light on details and possibly, sometimes accuracy, due to viewing it all via Zebulon’s mostly self-absorbed lens. Indeed, a sweeping and crazed exploration of and across large American events.
Loaded with quotes this nerdy, note-taking, quip-loving reader scrawled down several of, it may help the focus of this biased (I adore Zebulon, even though I shouldn’t) book review to zero in on ones that tied to the large themes of both volumes.
Humanity seems to trump. It is the umbrella from which all the other themes dangle. If you were to “meet” Zebulon Finch, to “listen” to him narrate this double-tome of pages, talking about himself, but then in turn, speaking about every one of us in a large, overall sense, you would quickly see the irony of a personality such as his tackling humanity. But he does, and in doing so, acquires some of his own.
“…to be humane one must partake in humanity.” pg. 671. That alone, no, is not enough to prop up to the light how and where and why Zebulon Finch, in the beginning a youth full of violence, hate, and racism. But the above partial quote comes directly from his own thoughts. So, it is also a short example of his version of a softenening of the heart, of sorts, that he experiences.
Certainly, for the numerous and innumerable characters that are artfully woven in and out of his existence, he comes to care deeply, in his own way, for a handful of them.
At one point (pg. 173, for an exact spot), he even breaks humanity down in a way, that if you also were to read this novel, relates directly to who he is: “By becoming less than human—by becoming animal—might one indeed become *more* than human?”
Zebulon eventually gains so much insight regarding humanity, that he turns the proverbial mirror on himself in a head-on manner: “For me to glance backward would have been to see how my shoes had rubbed off the golden veneer, not to mention the countless witches upon whom I’d dropped countless houses. I have been the wickedest witch of all…” pg. 734.
And further on page 738: “I saw your tolerant smile when I was insulting, heard your hitched breath when I requested witness, felt your arms around me when I needed to be upheld…What you do with your time alive defines you, but hear me, I beg you, when I say that you are *not done being defined.* Go out; break things. Go further; repair them…live as hard as I…”.
He also touches upon freedom, or rather, what he feels it is actually: “Don’t let pain come from sources that would barbarize your soul—senseless war, domestic abuse, and on, and on. To choose the source of your pain is the only true freedom you have.” pg. 536.
Both volumes end up becoming a discussion about another theme, the decline of society, and naturally via a chronical approach, how the eventual prevalence of technology has largely contributed.
Besides theme, two other things I want to note are these: Klaus’ humility about his writing when he breaks the fourth wall several times toward the close of this second volume, very noticeably via the then-current plot, which involves the reading of a section of the Bible, when his own character, our infamously, irrationally beloved Zebbie states that the writing (tongue-in-cheek: this extensive treat that Klaus has given birth) is “Floundering, maladroit, inerudite…thronged with directionless characters…recklessly overambitious in scope..” (pg. 689)…Again, I’ve become quite biased and find it anything but. To me, it’s an amazing piece of writing, astounding in its uniqueness, awesome in its dark-sided adventures, entertaining in its cavort through time. I won’t soon forget it, and simultaneously wish something else like it would come along, while also hoping nothing ever does.
Final thought, I promise, the second of the “other two things”: From the first page of volume one to the last page of volume two, this could not possibly be intended, at least by Kraus himself, to be meant for the consumption of a young reader. The publishing house has grossly mislabeled a masterpiece, far too voluminous on so many levels for a person between the ages of 12-17 to fully grasp. In particular, would the absolute youngest of young readers connect with the final American event, that while modern in its historical position, still occured prior to their births? I think not reflecting on describing that particular day to my offspring showed an immediate disconnect inside her bored orbs.
Not enough fantastic words, nor star ratings available to convey this epic literary adventure. Really. Just secure some free time and hunker down for this worthy committment.
April 23, 2017
Was totally on board with these books until after the 1960's Mercury stuff. Then JESUS did it go downhill. He did not know how to end this damn book. It got weird, it was unnecessary, and I read two giant volumes of a book with the most bullshit ending ever. Very unhappy I spent so much time on these. Do yourself a favor and skip them.
October 13, 2018
This book is one of those books that is exhausting to read but well worth it. Zebulon’s character development is great and I loved the aesthetic of this series. I am also a huge fan of the ending; it’s so unique and really thought provoking. I love when authors take risks like that. I am also a big fan of the writing style and how eloquent it is.
November 7, 2019
Oh wow, that ending was painful to listen to. Do yourself a favour and read the physical or switch over to a paper copy for the last chapter. Whatever you do, don't listen to the audiobook for the last chapter of this.
Read
March 24, 2017Stunning. Won't be getting over this one for a while.
March 16, 2018
Empire Decayed is a wonderful end to the tour de force that is the Zebulon Finch series. The book follows the title character, Zebulon Finch, who is an animated corpse with dry wit and a criminal streak, as he travels through the 20th century in the USA. In small character-centric stories based on time period, the reader sees not only the history of the United States and its changes, but the changes in Zebulon himself and his developing worldview. The story, along with its narrator, often returns to this question: if we live in an undefinable world that leaves us ultimately small, irrelevant, and fundamentally ignorant on a cosmic scale, how do we then move forward in life? How do we find beauty and happiness where all we can see is the fact of our own blindness? The book suggests that beauty and joy can be found in all things, for better or worse, and ultimately we are in charge of our own perceptions of this world and pursuing the things we desire. This might sound hedonistic, because by nature it is, but the message boils down to: if we are truly nothing, if the world won't remember us, why should we worry about more than being true to ourselves and living life on our own terms? This addresses the existential questions that plague all humans without hiding the fact of the hopelessness and ignorance that fills our lives, while still remaining ultimately hopeful. Towards the end of the novel, the reader meets a man named Ry, and the meeting of him is one of my favorite parts of the book. He is tormented by his demons, specifically a schizophrenic manifestation of Jesus, and is locked in isolation in a mental institution. Zebulon talks to him through the walls, calming him and treating Ry's perceptions as something just as legitimate as those of people who weren't constantly harassed by a hallucination of Jesus. This calms Ry down, and lets him find some solace in his own mind. Not only is this touching, but it points out once again the book's hopeful nihilism - if all we know is our own perception, is it fair to assume someone else's is wrong? If perception is all we have, then that's what we have to work with. By treating Ry's reality as legitimate, Zebulon helps him where many doctors couldn't, and that is incredibly powerful. Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who has a strong stomach (it gets fairly dark at times), an interest in philosophy, and an appreciation of a good adventure story. Empire Decayed is grotesque, strange, witty, and thoughtful, but at its core it's a book that at once reassures and entertains the reader, and I think that's something all of us could appreciate.
March 28, 2018
Overall it was a very good book, but I could've done without the final chapter (especially as I listened to this as an audiobook, which did this chapter no favors, despite being narrated by the wonderful Kirby Heyborne).
As for the rating, I'm a little torn but decided to "round up", because it was, by and large, a very good story, even though it didn't quite live up to its predecessor, The Death and Life of Zebulon Finch, Vol. 1: At the Edge of Empire.
The Death and Life of Zebulon Finch, Vol. 2: Empire Decayed picks up where volume one left off; Zebulon has recently left the glamour of eccentric actress Bridie Valentine's company after tragedy finally managed to catch up with him there too.
Alone, and determined to stay that way, he begins to wander, heading for the least populated place he can find. And for a good while he manages to stay alone, hiding away in the mountains, until his wandering path crosses with another.
Thus begins the second part of Zebulon Aaron Finch's life after the death.
In this second volume he finds his way through WWII's Germany via a secret governmental agency, a post-Korea-Pleasantville, into space, becomes a martyr for hire, starts a cult, ends up in an asylum and finally... Well, that'd be a spoiler if I told you.
While I thought that most, if not actually all, of Zebulon Aaron Finch's death and subsequent life volume one was truly brilliant, volume two's story was more of an ebb and flow situation; there were some really incredible highlights... but also some potentially too-far-out far out moments.
As for the rating, I'm a little torn but decided to "round up", because it was, by and large, a very good story, even though it didn't quite live up to its predecessor, The Death and Life of Zebulon Finch, Vol. 1: At the Edge of Empire.
The Death and Life of Zebulon Finch, Vol. 2: Empire Decayed picks up where volume one left off; Zebulon has recently left the glamour of eccentric actress Bridie Valentine's company after tragedy finally managed to catch up with him there too.
Alone, and determined to stay that way, he begins to wander, heading for the least populated place he can find. And for a good while he manages to stay alone, hiding away in the mountains, until his wandering path crosses with another.
Thus begins the second part of Zebulon Aaron Finch's life after the death.
In this second volume he finds his way through WWII's Germany via a secret governmental agency, a post-Korea-Pleasantville, into space, becomes a martyr for hire, starts a cult, ends up in an asylum and finally... Well, that'd be a spoiler if I told you.
While I thought that most, if not actually all, of Zebulon Aaron Finch's death and subsequent life volume one was truly brilliant, volume two's story was more of an ebb and flow situation; there were some really incredible highlights... but also some potentially too-far-out far out moments.
December 9, 2017
See the full version of this review and others at Odds & Ends
Empire Decayed is the kind of book that exposes fundamental truths about humanity and forever shifts your perspective of the world, the kind of book that you can never forget because it imprints itself on you and your thoughts. It’s the kind of book you wish everyone would read because of how incredibly brilliant it is but also because of how important it is.
It’s by no means an easy read. Empire Decayed is heavy, intense and complex. Much more so than At the Edge of Empire. I’d say it’s thought provoking, but that seems too overused a phrase to describe such an outstanding work of literature. So much is packed into its pages, and there are so many interesting trains of thought, and so many metaphors to untangle, that it requires time and patience to unpack. But, if you stick with it, you will be rewarded not just with a sense of accomplishment, but with new knowledge, perspectives and insights.
I remember inhaling volume one, reading it’s 642 pages in record time. Volume two, however, is slower paced and significantly darker. I’d argue it’s more rewarding too as you learn about everything that went wrong with America and finally reach the end of Zebulon’s tale. If you loved the first one, I’d recommend reading this directly after because the two books are only separated only by the fact that they were bound and sold as halves; the narration is continuous.
Empire Decayed continues Zebulon’s relentless march through history and there is something new to be learned at each and every turn. I am in awe of the amount of research that must have gone into this duology for it covers such a wide swath of history in such rich and accurate detail. I learned more from these books than in most history classes at school.
Kraus is remarkable in his ability to bring facts alive and truly make you care about history. For Empire Decayed is never so much about the history itself, but how history affects the people experiencing it. The characters always take centre stage, and history plays out across their lives, making it tangible and relatable. The characters’ personalities are reflections of the eras they inhabit, acting as an important reminder that humans are the same across time and space, and that differences exist only due to changing societal and political pressures. Yet, at the same time, the characters are never chosen at random, nor are they similar – each is distinct, presenting a different facet of humanity.
Zebulon, works on two levels as well, both as character and as metaphor. He is a lonely boy thrust into an adult world and the burden of immortality but also a personification of America. As he rots, so does America’s heart. Empire Decayed turns a critical eye to America, peeling back the layers of romanticization and idealization that we often apply to the past to present the darker reality. This is what the title refers to – the decay of America from the moment it dropped the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Zebulon, the upper class, white, handsome teenage boy, is the obvious personification of America. He continually tries to help others and is arrogant enough to believe that he can, yet fails miserably each time. His ego is often to blame, but other times, even with the best of intentions, things go terribly wrong. He commits many evil deeds but does some good too, and as a reader, it is left to you to weigh the scales. To decide whether he is god or devil or neither. Perhaps he’s just a boy stuck in impossible situations, perhaps our lives would look just as repulsive if all our choices were scrutinized as closely. He is so achingly human, that I can’t help but feel that he’s just a lonely, lost boy searching for fame and love, and in desperate need of guidance.
I cannot even begin to imagine what it must be like to live forever, to watch all those you love die, to watch your body rot away before your eyes, to never be able to know for certain that one day there will be a release from your pain. He tries to give his life meaning but fails. He tries to hide himself away from humanity and at that fails too. A rotten corpse may receive some respite, but can never stay hidden for long. Right to the end, Zebulon never manages to attain the redemption he seeks. You are left feeling terribly sorry for him, yet never quite able to fully sympathize with him.
The epilogue was the weirdest piece of writing I’ve ever read, and I’ve read some strange things.
Zebulon Finch, quite frankly, defies any categorization and attempts at simple analysis. It is a brilliant work of art that will leave me wondering at it for years to come.
Empire Decayed is the kind of book that exposes fundamental truths about humanity and forever shifts your perspective of the world, the kind of book that you can never forget because it imprints itself on you and your thoughts. It’s the kind of book you wish everyone would read because of how incredibly brilliant it is but also because of how important it is.
It’s by no means an easy read. Empire Decayed is heavy, intense and complex. Much more so than At the Edge of Empire. I’d say it’s thought provoking, but that seems too overused a phrase to describe such an outstanding work of literature. So much is packed into its pages, and there are so many interesting trains of thought, and so many metaphors to untangle, that it requires time and patience to unpack. But, if you stick with it, you will be rewarded not just with a sense of accomplishment, but with new knowledge, perspectives and insights.
I remember inhaling volume one, reading it’s 642 pages in record time. Volume two, however, is slower paced and significantly darker. I’d argue it’s more rewarding too as you learn about everything that went wrong with America and finally reach the end of Zebulon’s tale. If you loved the first one, I’d recommend reading this directly after because the two books are only separated only by the fact that they were bound and sold as halves; the narration is continuous.
Empire Decayed continues Zebulon’s relentless march through history and there is something new to be learned at each and every turn. I am in awe of the amount of research that must have gone into this duology for it covers such a wide swath of history in such rich and accurate detail. I learned more from these books than in most history classes at school.
Kraus is remarkable in his ability to bring facts alive and truly make you care about history. For Empire Decayed is never so much about the history itself, but how history affects the people experiencing it. The characters always take centre stage, and history plays out across their lives, making it tangible and relatable. The characters’ personalities are reflections of the eras they inhabit, acting as an important reminder that humans are the same across time and space, and that differences exist only due to changing societal and political pressures. Yet, at the same time, the characters are never chosen at random, nor are they similar – each is distinct, presenting a different facet of humanity.
Zebulon, works on two levels as well, both as character and as metaphor. He is a lonely boy thrust into an adult world and the burden of immortality but also a personification of America. As he rots, so does America’s heart. Empire Decayed turns a critical eye to America, peeling back the layers of romanticization and idealization that we often apply to the past to present the darker reality. This is what the title refers to – the decay of America from the moment it dropped the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Zebulon, the upper class, white, handsome teenage boy, is the obvious personification of America. He continually tries to help others and is arrogant enough to believe that he can, yet fails miserably each time. His ego is often to blame, but other times, even with the best of intentions, things go terribly wrong. He commits many evil deeds but does some good too, and as a reader, it is left to you to weigh the scales. To decide whether he is god or devil or neither. Perhaps he’s just a boy stuck in impossible situations, perhaps our lives would look just as repulsive if all our choices were scrutinized as closely. He is so achingly human, that I can’t help but feel that he’s just a lonely, lost boy searching for fame and love, and in desperate need of guidance.
I cannot even begin to imagine what it must be like to live forever, to watch all those you love die, to watch your body rot away before your eyes, to never be able to know for certain that one day there will be a release from your pain. He tries to give his life meaning but fails. He tries to hide himself away from humanity and at that fails too. A rotten corpse may receive some respite, but can never stay hidden for long. Right to the end, Zebulon never manages to attain the redemption he seeks. You are left feeling terribly sorry for him, yet never quite able to fully sympathize with him.
The epilogue was the weirdest piece of writing I’ve ever read, and I’ve read some strange things.
Zebulon Finch, quite frankly, defies any categorization and attempts at simple analysis. It is a brilliant work of art that will leave me wondering at it for years to come.
February 23, 2024
So interesting 🤔
It is like Chuck Palahniuk wrote a story about a zombie version of Forrest Gump. The ending was fantastic 👏
It is like Chuck Palahniuk wrote a story about a zombie version of Forrest Gump. The ending was fantastic 👏
July 24, 2024
I don’t know what to say, this book might have changed my life a little 🥹
October 11, 2020
How dare this book just hurt my soul like that.
5/5 stars
5/5 stars
August 30, 2019
Epic. This story in its entirety was epic.
Private prefer not to
Joe gray
Zebulon X
Mother father savage
Frank Zip
Did I forget one?
I have chills man.
Honestly, I don't even know where to begin.
Let's begin at the end.
"CURTAIN CALL" This answered a very pivotal question I had during the 1st chapter of the 1st volume.
It also leaves me with so much peace for him.
Also the visual images of him walking around being full of life but being completely dead and decaying and everything. had me squirming in my skin yet, I wanted more..
The only part of this that I didn't like but it made sense for him being so lost was the cult of thing..
GAH! I have so many thoughts but I'm not really sure what to say.
The book was beautifully written I'm sorry know the story both volumes were beautifully written. You time travel yes, yes,yes, there is so much in here that is fable but you time travel. This is almost like a history lesson in itself. I absolutely adored these books!
Don't take my word for it though read it.
( Curtain call is a little hard to read but imagine reading it as it's being spoken through a computer from the early 2000s)
Private prefer not to
Joe gray
Zebulon X
Mother father savage
Frank Zip
Did I forget one?
I have chills man.
Honestly, I don't even know where to begin.
Let's begin at the end.
"CURTAIN CALL" This answered a very pivotal question I had during the 1st chapter of the 1st volume.
It also leaves me with so much peace for him.
Also the visual images of him walking around being full of life but being completely dead and decaying and everything. had me squirming in my skin yet, I wanted more..
The only part of this that I didn't like but it made sense for him being so lost was the cult of thing..
GAH! I have so many thoughts but I'm not really sure what to say.
The book was beautifully written I'm sorry know the story both volumes were beautifully written. You time travel yes, yes,yes, there is so much in here that is fable but you time travel. This is almost like a history lesson in itself. I absolutely adored these books!
Don't take my word for it though read it.
( Curtain call is a little hard to read but imagine reading it as it's being spoken through a computer from the early 2000s)
July 31, 2017
I enjoyed Volume One more, but there were definitely tableaus in this volume that I really, really enjoyed, particularly suburbia and, later, the Savages.
I still don't think this book is for teens despite Zebulon's perpetual youth. The themes (and horror) are quite adult even if Zebulon himself displays juvenile behavior.
If you don't mind being in for a long haul and covering a wide-range of time periods and tone shifts, this book (the two volumes together) is quite fascinating and well-written. You definitely feel for Zebulon when it's appropriate and hate him when you should. He's a multi-faceted and well-developed protagonist, and he keeps things interesting for the 1000+ pages of his story. The supernatural elements are just icing on the cake, really.
January 5, 2022
ohhhhh boy oh boy
after reading volume 1, i thought no description of gore and absurdity could faze me anymore. i was wrong, of course. i would stay up until about 2am reading this book and then have the absolute weirdest dreams pervaded by events in the book.
also i felt so many intense FEELINGS reading this bro
i thought the very end, the head in a jar part, was really interesting, because i would assume it’s kinda the most direct channeling of his thoughts. it contrasted very heavily with his usually mega pretentious prose.
i’m glad that zebulon finally became kind of a good person oop.
also the part where he had to kick Clown was SO SAD
anyway i loved this book it was horrifying and lovely and you could really feel the time passing. lots of historical commentary that i enjoyed too. 10/10
after reading volume 1, i thought no description of gore and absurdity could faze me anymore. i was wrong, of course. i would stay up until about 2am reading this book and then have the absolute weirdest dreams pervaded by events in the book.
also i felt so many intense FEELINGS reading this bro
i thought the very end, the head in a jar part, was really interesting, because i would assume it’s kinda the most direct channeling of his thoughts. it contrasted very heavily with his usually mega pretentious prose.
i’m glad that zebulon finally became kind of a good person oop.
also the part where he had to kick Clown was SO SAD
anyway i loved this book it was horrifying and lovely and you could really feel the time passing. lots of historical commentary that i enjoyed too. 10/10
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2020
Trigger warnings - physical abuse, homophobic slurs, racial slurs, abuse, cannibalism, suicidal thoughts
Oh. My. Word. I literally have no words. That ending had me sobbing. This was even more visceral and disturbing and gut-wrenching and gorgeous than the first volume. This series is gorgeous and disgusting and raw. I cannot recommend this enough, the final page of zebulon's "book" had me sobbing because I have grown to understand and adore him more so than any other book character. And then the ending just...SHOOK. I am done. I am emotionally drained yet intensely satisfied. Glorious book. Please please read this series if you can handle extreme content, (mainly violence and horrific pain) so good.
My Booktalk - https://youtu.be/DraPXmAfOJw
Oh. My. Word. I literally have no words. That ending had me sobbing. This was even more visceral and disturbing and gut-wrenching and gorgeous than the first volume. This series is gorgeous and disgusting and raw. I cannot recommend this enough, the final page of zebulon's "book" had me sobbing because I have grown to understand and adore him more so than any other book character. And then the ending just...SHOOK. I am done. I am emotionally drained yet intensely satisfied. Glorious book. Please please read this series if you can handle extreme content, (mainly violence and horrific pain) so good.
My Booktalk - https://youtu.be/DraPXmAfOJw
December 27, 2016
A Boring Imitation of Forrest Gump.
I liked the first book in this series. I thought the ideas were fresh. When this sequel was released I downloaded it right away. It started off promising but then it became depressing and boring. It seemed to me each time period Finch loved through was just a rehash of the previous. I skipped thru the last half of the book a lot. When I got to the end I WAS depressed. I expected more. I got less.
I liked the first book in this series. I thought the ideas were fresh. When this sequel was released I downloaded it right away. It started off promising but then it became depressing and boring. It seemed to me each time period Finch loved through was just a rehash of the previous. I skipped thru the last half of the book a lot. When I got to the end I WAS depressed. I expected more. I got less.
January 14, 2020
I had been reading this book for nearly a year and I don't regret one second of it! Volume II is as dense and full of detail as the first one. I held my breath, laughed out loud, gasped, and felt a whole range of emotions while reading. The ending was unpredictable, cryptic, and intriguing. A fitting end to such a long, suspenseful story. I only wish there was more to learn!
October 25, 2016
RTC for blog tour!
May 12, 2022
This took me longer to read than any other book, no small part due to life events, but also becuase of the series style, but it might be the best book I’ve ever read. It is truly exhausting to read these books some times, often coming across as a far more scholarly heavy book, similar to Dostoevsky in voice and pacing at times. Additionally the book is flat out disgusting at times with some of the most stomach churning depictions I’ve ever read. Lastly, while I do understand it is an important part of the book Zebulon making the wrong decision at quite literally every turn is incredibly frustrating to read. With all the negative out of the way this was a life changing book to read. While I do keep saying book I do mean series but given how the two books are written it really does just read smoothly as a 1500 page novel. On to the good of the chronicle, the book has incredible action and plot with none of the lulls you would expect in such a long story. Additionally for such a round about story with so many stops along the way I cannot think of a single loose end. While some of the tie backs to previous characters come across as slightly forced at time it is overall very satisfying. Also the way the book moves through history, capturing the spirit of America across generations is beautiful. The book is practically genraless and is all the better for it, nothing I have ever read is as unique as it is. Honestly at times this book feels like the great American epic with the likes of Beowulf or the Iliad. I know this may sound like overly high praise, but for the way it captures American culture throughout history and it’s beautiful writing I believe this is one of the most important books I’ve ever read. Lastly and main reason I’ve hyped this novel up so much is the philosophy and thought behind the book. While there are plenty of plot twists and complex characters beautifully written to keep readers entertained if philosophy isn’t their thing the way the books looks at the meaning of life is truly beautiful. From the way it questions parenting, freedom and fate it volume one’s initial chapters to questioning what it means to be human and if someone can be redeemed near the books conclusion are truly beautiful. Sections such as the conclusions to the WW1, Hollywood, and NASA arcs or the Bible talks in asylum are genuinely so deep and beautiful I’ve reread them a few times to take a deeper look at their meaning. The writing is truly some of the best I have ever had the pleasure of reading never missing a beat all the way to it’s beautiful conclusion on the very last page. I wholeheartedly believe that this writing is up there with the likes of great literary classics such as Frankenstein or To Kill a Mockingbird. This is no exaggeration when I say I believe this book is so good I wouldn’t be surprised if it was taught in schools some day. Overall reading this book changed me for the better and I believe they are massively underrated. I say though this series is definitely not for everyone though, it doesn’t give you the same type of light happiness or excitement of a fantasy, romance, or really any other contemporary book. While aspects from all those genres are present I this story the main take away is just a heavy feeling of catharsis. With all this being said I will never stop recommending this series and I believe everyone should at least try to read it once in their life
June 3, 2018
What can I say about this book that hasn't already been said by other reviewers? Keeping this as spoiler-free as possible, btw!
1.) Kirby Heyborne has done an impeccably great job of reading both the first and the second volume of Zebulon Finch (which is no easy feat, given the sheer number of pages in the physical copies, and the expansive list of different characters to bring to life).
2.) It's been awhile since I've felt so conflicted at the end of a novel. It's also been awhile since I've willing read/listened to a first person narrator so intently; I find myself drawn to non-fiction more often than not these days, and increasingly prefer almost anything *but* a first person view in my fiction. And yet these books could not have been told in any voice save first person, or they would, in my opinion, absolutely lose the magnificent and unique quality of Zebulon's voice and attitude.
3.) Zebulon Finch is one of the most 'real' fictional characters I've had the pleasure (and displeasure) to know. He is complex, equal parts infuriatingly arrogant and heartrendingly lonely. He is no more a 17 year old by the end of the second novel, but an impossibly old man trapped within a--quite literally--decaying, failing frame. (I'll say no more on the latter to avoid spoilers, but the last few 'pages' of the audiobook had me emotionally reeling.)
4.) With the aforementioned said, I can't understand why in the world this book is shelved as YA. I'm no expert on YA, granted, and prefer to not read too much of it, but...other than Zebulon being 17 at the time of his death, the themes and even the language in this book does not scream YA to me. At all. Just saying!
5.) If you've read this far in my review, and aren't put off by gore, violence, and immense physical pain described to a T--and are patient enough to make it through two very long volumes (which both admittedly could have been trimmed down some), please, PLEASE pick up a copy of the first volume. And then, after you've read it, and *then* read the second volume, sit down, close your eyes, and breathe in and out until you've fully digested all that's packed into these books. History, humanity, Zebulon Finch as a personification of pure existentialism *and* the fall of the American dream...it's all here. Every last bit.
And it is purely brilliant.
1.) Kirby Heyborne has done an impeccably great job of reading both the first and the second volume of Zebulon Finch (which is no easy feat, given the sheer number of pages in the physical copies, and the expansive list of different characters to bring to life).
2.) It's been awhile since I've felt so conflicted at the end of a novel. It's also been awhile since I've willing read/listened to a first person narrator so intently; I find myself drawn to non-fiction more often than not these days, and increasingly prefer almost anything *but* a first person view in my fiction. And yet these books could not have been told in any voice save first person, or they would, in my opinion, absolutely lose the magnificent and unique quality of Zebulon's voice and attitude.
3.) Zebulon Finch is one of the most 'real' fictional characters I've had the pleasure (and displeasure) to know. He is complex, equal parts infuriatingly arrogant and heartrendingly lonely. He is no more a 17 year old by the end of the second novel, but an impossibly old man trapped within a--quite literally--decaying, failing frame. (I'll say no more on the latter to avoid spoilers, but the last few 'pages' of the audiobook had me emotionally reeling.)
4.) With the aforementioned said, I can't understand why in the world this book is shelved as YA. I'm no expert on YA, granted, and prefer to not read too much of it, but...other than Zebulon being 17 at the time of his death, the themes and even the language in this book does not scream YA to me. At all. Just saying!
5.) If you've read this far in my review, and aren't put off by gore, violence, and immense physical pain described to a T--and are patient enough to make it through two very long volumes (which both admittedly could have been trimmed down some), please, PLEASE pick up a copy of the first volume. And then, after you've read it, and *then* read the second volume, sit down, close your eyes, and breathe in and out until you've fully digested all that's packed into these books. History, humanity, Zebulon Finch as a personification of pure existentialism *and* the fall of the American dream...it's all here. Every last bit.
And it is purely brilliant.
September 21, 2021
From a "genesis" of sorts to its final "revelation", it's difficult not to read both books as an abstract of Biblical fiction, seen through the actions and eyes of a young man who was given the gift of life before he may have really understood the gift of living.
Calling Zebulon Aaron Finch a protagonist is a stretch, but anti-hero seems to fit. Maybe a noir hero. The antagonists, they are a plenty. What saves our hero is the goodness that he encounters in other people. He completes that understanding of living with each lesson of these good people; and, to be fair, from the bad ones.
What's life without balance, right?
The two books really should be read together. Anyone reading this and asking the question about reading volume one or two independently; you're going to miss out of chunks of story if you do. Both books belong an omnibus edition.
I make no exaggeration that I was angry at moments, and then smiled, and often cried. Zebulon never seemed to grow older than seventeen. Life got in the way, maybe? The parable storytelling is Spot-On. I will definitely be finding my way here again. I was so sad to see him go. But, and I am not religious person either, was pleased to see our hero find the "O", sans slash.
This next bit contains a spoiler from another book by this author: SCOWLER. I was heartbroken -- though, not really surprised -- to read Ry Burke succumbing to the powers that served to save his family in his own story. Not only that, but to see him die. Too often ... the damaged shouldn't have to die. They shouldn't be punished either. That is the razor-thin line that Zebulon Finch walked from the beginning of this wonderfully powerful and emotionally charged story, to its heartbreaking and heartwarming close.
READ. THIS. BOOK.
Calling Zebulon Aaron Finch a protagonist is a stretch, but anti-hero seems to fit. Maybe a noir hero. The antagonists, they are a plenty. What saves our hero is the goodness that he encounters in other people. He completes that understanding of living with each lesson of these good people; and, to be fair, from the bad ones.
What's life without balance, right?
The two books really should be read together. Anyone reading this and asking the question about reading volume one or two independently; you're going to miss out of chunks of story if you do. Both books belong an omnibus edition.
I make no exaggeration that I was angry at moments, and then smiled, and often cried. Zebulon never seemed to grow older than seventeen. Life got in the way, maybe? The parable storytelling is Spot-On. I will definitely be finding my way here again. I was so sad to see him go. But, and I am not religious person either, was pleased to see our hero find the "O", sans slash.
This next bit contains a spoiler from another book by this author: SCOWLER. I was heartbroken -- though, not really surprised -- to read Ry Burke succumbing to the powers that served to save his family in his own story. Not only that, but to see him die. Too often ... the damaged shouldn't have to die. They shouldn't be punished either. That is the razor-thin line that Zebulon Finch walked from the beginning of this wonderfully powerful and emotionally charged story, to its heartbreaking and heartwarming close.
READ. THIS. BOOK.
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