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Indifference
This is an alternate cover edition for 9781541295834
Nobody gives a shit anymore.
We are all selfish, greedy, impatient, uncaring, and ruthless - but maybe we can take a moment for a story.
With modern technology and the ease of interaction, we have become more confident and less concerned with anyone or anything that does not directly impact us. We have also become cruel. Desensitized to sex, violence, and death as a result, and stepping over any bodies that fall in our paths on the way to the end of another boring day.
An old man tries to find a reason to keep going. A cocky insurance adjuster looks to deny you everything, including your dignity. An IT rep does what he can to impress a dissatisfied mother. A morose fast food employee has to decide if she wants a promotion or a quick exit. A shady secretary uses the only assets she has to win the support of her boss, a dying fiancé, and the family she left at home. A lone nurse tries to provide help in a medical environment devoid of any care. A single mother learns too late that her children are her life.
Everyone for themselves. Everyone worthless.
Equal in death.
Nobody gives a shit anymore.
We are all selfish, greedy, impatient, uncaring, and ruthless - but maybe we can take a moment for a story.
With modern technology and the ease of interaction, we have become more confident and less concerned with anyone or anything that does not directly impact us. We have also become cruel. Desensitized to sex, violence, and death as a result, and stepping over any bodies that fall in our paths on the way to the end of another boring day.
An old man tries to find a reason to keep going. A cocky insurance adjuster looks to deny you everything, including your dignity. An IT rep does what he can to impress a dissatisfied mother. A morose fast food employee has to decide if she wants a promotion or a quick exit. A shady secretary uses the only assets she has to win the support of her boss, a dying fiancé, and the family she left at home. A lone nurse tries to provide help in a medical environment devoid of any care. A single mother learns too late that her children are her life.
Everyone for themselves. Everyone worthless.
Equal in death.
- GenresFiction
306 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2017
49 people want to read
About the author
Barry Blokes
1 book7 followersBarry is dead. Or dying. And in comes Christophe's foul-mouthed American cousin.
I spend my time reading everything I can get my hands on, and now writing, trying to tell the stories that pollute my thoughts.
I live at the base of the beautiful Rocky Mountains with my amazing wife and two kickass daughters.
I have recently published my debut - Indifference - and there are plenty more to come. I am not going away.
I spend my time reading everything I can get my hands on, and now writing, trying to tell the stories that pollute my thoughts.
I live at the base of the beautiful Rocky Mountains with my amazing wife and two kickass daughters.
I have recently published my debut - Indifference - and there are plenty more to come. I am not going away.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 17, 2018
People suck. Taken straight from the book, this line is exemplified by the actions of self-indulgent and remorseless human beings that ride roughshod through the pages. Stories of avarice and cruelty are loosely connected as the worst of behaviors are exposed. At the heart of the stories is a homeless veteran who simply wants to fill his belly and take the edge off of his pain. Most of the people he encounters are heartless, and we get a glimpse into each of their personal lives through vignettes. The degradation and violence in their stories are cringe-worthy, and the light that does occasionally shine through is minimal. It's a dark ride, but, as stated by the author in his Acknowledgements, "we are in this shit together." Bad things happen, but that does not mean that the hurtfulness need be passed along. This is a diverting narrative that cannot be ignored.
December 11, 2016
If you've ever witnessed something horrible but were unable to turn away, then you have an idea of what I felt like reading, Indifference. Graphic, starkly honest, and somewhat convoluted, Blokes entwines several disturbing stories, and tells them from an array of perspectives. From the manic elite, to the haunted and hopelessly downtrodden Vietnam veteran, Indifference examines the less desirable aspects of the human condition in a fashion that may leave some readers feeling queasy. I like Barry Blokes style, and think it will only improve with future works. All in all, a solid first effort.
December 2, 2016
This is not a book to read when you’ve already had a bad day, believe me.
That being said I have to admit that this is an accurate picture of the darker side of nowadays’ society. The lighter narrative shows the pettiness and selfishness that goes around and illustrates how skewed some perceptions are and how biased people have become. Each story presents people at their worst and how they spill their dissatisfaction and happiness finding pleasure in making someone else unhappy or humiliated. The darker narrative shows that human life lost any kind of value. What seems to be important is the satisfaction one can get in the blink of an eye.
It seemed extremely interesting how various people’s paths intersect and how most of them feel better once they manage to diminish, bully, insult or kill another human being.
Characters are interesting even though the author doesn’t waste too much time to depict them. They’re developed enough to drive the message home.
I liked the complete circle opened and closed with the vet who is the only one who is able to make an altruistic gesture and put a huge price on someone else’s life, not that his own mattered for anyone. The ending paragraph is the best conclusion for this book. To avoid spoilers, I will refrain from quoting it reads like a summary of the ideas presented throughout the book.
This is not an easy read and not for someone who’d prefer to see puppies, butterflies and flowers. Yet, I repeat: good narrative, interesting circumstances, catching characters
I understand this is Bloke’s first book. I must say: congrats, Mr. Bloke and please, continue to write. You do show genuine talent.
That being said I have to admit that this is an accurate picture of the darker side of nowadays’ society. The lighter narrative shows the pettiness and selfishness that goes around and illustrates how skewed some perceptions are and how biased people have become. Each story presents people at their worst and how they spill their dissatisfaction and happiness finding pleasure in making someone else unhappy or humiliated. The darker narrative shows that human life lost any kind of value. What seems to be important is the satisfaction one can get in the blink of an eye.
It seemed extremely interesting how various people’s paths intersect and how most of them feel better once they manage to diminish, bully, insult or kill another human being.
Characters are interesting even though the author doesn’t waste too much time to depict them. They’re developed enough to drive the message home.
I liked the complete circle opened and closed with the vet who is the only one who is able to make an altruistic gesture and put a huge price on someone else’s life, not that his own mattered for anyone. The ending paragraph is the best conclusion for this book. To avoid spoilers, I will refrain from quoting it reads like a summary of the ideas presented throughout the book.
This is not an easy read and not for someone who’d prefer to see puppies, butterflies and flowers. Yet, I repeat: good narrative, interesting circumstances, catching characters
I understand this is Bloke’s first book. I must say: congrats, Mr. Bloke and please, continue to write. You do show genuine talent.
August 19, 2018
I am one of those old fashioned people who can easily be swayed into reading a book by a good cover, so far this hasn't let me down. When I first saw this book I thought, nah, looks dull, then I looked a bit closer at what looked like writing in the background, a collection of quotes of reviews about the book? One in particular caught my eye, "Had a cry and a wank at the same time." Well that was me sold.
The book looks at the world and how it is filled with terrible, selfish people, the real dregs of society, gold-diggers, insurance guys, fast food managers and the worst of the worst....IT support. From each character you come across you get a sense that they were never always like this, events in their life has led them to being like they are, it almost reads as a warning, there is still time to turn things around, little things might help, like treating one of the main characters with a little respect. Michael is a homeless war vet trying to get by, suffering from PTSD. Kevin Berg cleverly uses him to introduce each of the other characters in the book, how they treat him tells you how their life is going to play out.
There are some fantastic lines in this book, my favourite has to be the one used in the books blurb:
"Everyone for themselves. Everyone worthless.
Equal in death."
I feel lucky that somebody had a cry-wank over this book because I probably wouldn't have given it a go.
Blog post is here> https://felcherman.wordpress.com/2018...
The book looks at the world and how it is filled with terrible, selfish people, the real dregs of society, gold-diggers, insurance guys, fast food managers and the worst of the worst....IT support. From each character you come across you get a sense that they were never always like this, events in their life has led them to being like they are, it almost reads as a warning, there is still time to turn things around, little things might help, like treating one of the main characters with a little respect. Michael is a homeless war vet trying to get by, suffering from PTSD. Kevin Berg cleverly uses him to introduce each of the other characters in the book, how they treat him tells you how their life is going to play out.
There are some fantastic lines in this book, my favourite has to be the one used in the books blurb:
"Everyone for themselves. Everyone worthless.
Equal in death."
I feel lucky that somebody had a cry-wank over this book because I probably wouldn't have given it a go.
Blog post is here> https://felcherman.wordpress.com/2018...
December 3, 2016
A collection of stories/scenarios of different slices of life. Very true… very realistic. This is a no “holding back” hard hitting reality read. Persons living in the real world will more appreciate this story as it has examples of everyday life. If you live in a bubble it’s not for you. The author touches topics that many would not want to discuss on a daily basis or push it under the carpet as some of the stories highlight in no uncertain way the hypocracies of the society we live in. To mention a few I liked, “Same Shit, Different Day and also Illegitimate. In my view Illegitimate is so common we have become a bit numb to these stories as a society. The title of the book says it all, perfectly titled.
I don’t mind some curse words as times in a book eg the use of the “F” word IF it is ued in the right context to bolster the story and give efficacy to the point being made, but I found that the author’s use of that word was at times not adding any value to context or point being made. In other words it was overused and became bothersome at times. Nonetheless a good collection of stories about the society we live in or should I say a society we all have created. A poignant reminder that we live in a world of “Indifference.”
April 1, 2017
Hell on Earth.
You do not want to live in the world in which this collection of interlinked stories is set. It is an uncaring, cruel and wrist-slittingly depressing world. It is Hell on Earth. And the characters who populate that Hell are by turns pathetic, greedy and utterly amoral.
The author describes the characters in all their misery and rancidness, narrating their actions often in stomach-churning detail. He immerses himself in the characters. He becomes them. And that to me is the sign of a damn good writer.
I understand that the collection is the author’s debut publication. I’d like to read more of what he has to offer. But maybe something a little lighter next time, Mr Berg? I’m still in recovery, buddy!
You do not want to live in the world in which this collection of interlinked stories is set. It is an uncaring, cruel and wrist-slittingly depressing world. It is Hell on Earth. And the characters who populate that Hell are by turns pathetic, greedy and utterly amoral.
The author describes the characters in all their misery and rancidness, narrating their actions often in stomach-churning detail. He immerses himself in the characters. He becomes them. And that to me is the sign of a damn good writer.
I understand that the collection is the author’s debut publication. I’d like to read more of what he has to offer. But maybe something a little lighter next time, Mr Berg? I’m still in recovery, buddy!
April 22, 2017
This book has been called dark, which by the norms of description it probably is. But what is darkness but another side of life, the side most of us hope to avoid in real life but has a fascination for the human soul never the less. The success of the horror and crime genres show how we love to indulge our dirty little secrets and they give us the chance in a socially acceptable way. ‘Reality’ TV and the endless treadmill of unfortunates willing to bring their darkness into the light show our thirst for the freak show has still to be quenched. Indifference however is the opposite of that.
While it illuminates the acts, what it really spotlights is the hypocrisy and deceit of society using a literary burning torch of cynicism and rage. But it also tells stories, primarily of the traumatized Veteran whose battle really began with his return to a home that has effectively kicked him out into the street. There are echoes of Hubert Selby jr in its sometimes brutally honest portrayal of the grim reality the characters face every day. But it’s also an extremely inventive and original piece of work by a new author who has immediately made his mark on the section of the Indie writing scene willing to be brave, pushing themselves and readers with uncomfortable but creatively satisfying work.
You won’t find this on a supermarket shelf any time soon. You weren’t meant too.
While it illuminates the acts, what it really spotlights is the hypocrisy and deceit of society using a literary burning torch of cynicism and rage. But it also tells stories, primarily of the traumatized Veteran whose battle really began with his return to a home that has effectively kicked him out into the street. There are echoes of Hubert Selby jr in its sometimes brutally honest portrayal of the grim reality the characters face every day. But it’s also an extremely inventive and original piece of work by a new author who has immediately made his mark on the section of the Indie writing scene willing to be brave, pushing themselves and readers with uncomfortable but creatively satisfying work.
You won’t find this on a supermarket shelf any time soon. You weren’t meant too.
December 3, 2016
I'd like to give Indifference 3 stars, because the characters interested me, and the idea behind the book is really relevant to the way we live as a society today. Unfortunately, I had to deduct a star because I found the book very difficult to follow. The author hasn't put himself in the shoes of the reader. He jumps from scene to scene and from present to past with no warning, and I often had to go back to reread sections to figure out what was happening.
Many of the scenes drew me in as they were built up, only to throw me out again as the author reverted to his pet words. By cramming as much piss, shit, blood, and vomit onto the page as possible, he only deters us from the already vivid imagery. Sometimes, less is more.
The stories are also fairly disconnected. Although I think this is how the book was planned, I found it too fragmenting. With fewer characters we might have been able to delve a little deeper into their personalities.
I did like the characters, and I do appreciate the concepts. It was the delivery that I struggled with.
Many of the scenes drew me in as they were built up, only to throw me out again as the author reverted to his pet words. By cramming as much piss, shit, blood, and vomit onto the page as possible, he only deters us from the already vivid imagery. Sometimes, less is more.
The stories are also fairly disconnected. Although I think this is how the book was planned, I found it too fragmenting. With fewer characters we might have been able to delve a little deeper into their personalities.
I did like the characters, and I do appreciate the concepts. It was the delivery that I struggled with.
December 10, 2017
Everything is terrible. People are all terrible. You are terrible. The world is a terrible place.
Reading this book is like being a fly on the wall, watching bad things unfold, and then flying away to witness some other calamity of a human life. As the title states, everyone is largely indifferent to the suffering around them, too caught up in their own broken existence to care. There are a few examples of people acting decent, but for the most part it's all pretty bleak. This is a book to read if you feel like wallowing in self-pity, or to remind yourself that you're actually pretty happy compared to a lot of folks. It's also got a lot of gross, skinny-crawly bits, if you're into that kind of thing. I enjoyed it.
Reading this book is like being a fly on the wall, watching bad things unfold, and then flying away to witness some other calamity of a human life. As the title states, everyone is largely indifferent to the suffering around them, too caught up in their own broken existence to care. There are a few examples of people acting decent, but for the most part it's all pretty bleak. This is a book to read if you feel like wallowing in self-pity, or to remind yourself that you're actually pretty happy compared to a lot of folks. It's also got a lot of gross, skinny-crawly bits, if you're into that kind of thing. I enjoyed it.
January 10, 2017
This is not for everyone; it's dark, very dark. But the writing is really quite good. The author explores the most sordid and basest aspects of human nature. It's gritty, raw and in your face, not just eliciting, but rather forcing reader reaction. If you like your reading material pretty and sweet, this is not for you. But if you're bold, not easily offended and would be willing to take a stroll down a dark, literary alley, then you will likely enjoy this tale, as I did. I look forward to seeing what this author does next.
January 12, 2017
“Indifference” is, for the most part, a gripping read. Berg's narrative is spot-on in its laceration of our me-first culture. He spares no one – men, women, young, middle-aged, upper-middle class to dirt poor, they all get their turn.
The novel is basically a bunch of loosely connected stories. The veteran can probably be considered the main character, but there are numerous other characters that get plenty of scenes. The story jumps from viewpoint to viewpoint and moves through time as Berg delves into each person's fears, selfish desires, quirks, and fetishes. Most of the characters are self-absorbed scumbags, only stepping out from their grimy bubble when they're absolutely forced to. Any epiphanies they have come far too late to be of any use.
The prose is usually detailed without being dense. Berg is a careful observer, showing us things we see or consider every day but may not really think about. Even at its most outlandish and allegorical, there's a hard realism to the novel; this isn't something that's floated down to us from an Ivory Tower, but a piece of muck tossed from an open sewer.
I actually found myself chuckling as Berg roasted some of society's sacred cows. It was refreshing to see an author tackle subject matter that most people skirt around because it's “politically incorrect,” “mean-spirited,” or whatever.
There are some drawbacks, however. The plot is predictable; by the halfway point, you'll most likely know how each scene is going to end. I understand the point Berg is trying to make, but he could have thrown in some variation and still hammered home the idea.
I also thought the middle portion of the novel was lackluster. Berg throws a lot of craziness, violence, and filth onto the page, but it seems like he's just going wild for the sake of going wild. I preferred the relatively controlled (if that word even works for a novel of this type) scenes in the beginning and end of the story; these scenes really shine, with solid pacing and still plenty of acerbic social commentary.
Finally, I thought the dialogue was weak in some areas, and it was sometimes difficult to follow the thread of the narrative. I occasionally found myself wondering who did what to who or what had exactly happened to a particular character.
After reading this, I'm intrigued to see what Berg will do next. “Indifference” is already a thorough critique of modern society; what else is left to lambast? Berg says he's not going away, though, so I guess we'll just have to wait for the next bomb to drop.
The novel is basically a bunch of loosely connected stories. The veteran can probably be considered the main character, but there are numerous other characters that get plenty of scenes. The story jumps from viewpoint to viewpoint and moves through time as Berg delves into each person's fears, selfish desires, quirks, and fetishes. Most of the characters are self-absorbed scumbags, only stepping out from their grimy bubble when they're absolutely forced to. Any epiphanies they have come far too late to be of any use.
The prose is usually detailed without being dense. Berg is a careful observer, showing us things we see or consider every day but may not really think about. Even at its most outlandish and allegorical, there's a hard realism to the novel; this isn't something that's floated down to us from an Ivory Tower, but a piece of muck tossed from an open sewer.
I actually found myself chuckling as Berg roasted some of society's sacred cows. It was refreshing to see an author tackle subject matter that most people skirt around because it's “politically incorrect,” “mean-spirited,” or whatever.
There are some drawbacks, however. The plot is predictable; by the halfway point, you'll most likely know how each scene is going to end. I understand the point Berg is trying to make, but he could have thrown in some variation and still hammered home the idea.
I also thought the middle portion of the novel was lackluster. Berg throws a lot of craziness, violence, and filth onto the page, but it seems like he's just going wild for the sake of going wild. I preferred the relatively controlled (if that word even works for a novel of this type) scenes in the beginning and end of the story; these scenes really shine, with solid pacing and still plenty of acerbic social commentary.
Finally, I thought the dialogue was weak in some areas, and it was sometimes difficult to follow the thread of the narrative. I occasionally found myself wondering who did what to who or what had exactly happened to a particular character.
After reading this, I'm intrigued to see what Berg will do next. “Indifference” is already a thorough critique of modern society; what else is left to lambast? Berg says he's not going away, though, so I guess we'll just have to wait for the next bomb to drop.
December 30, 2016
I picked this up after coming into contact with the author on Goodreads, and the book was free so I figured why not.
It's a kind of novel of interlinked stories that revolve around the people that pass a homeless veteran in their cars every morning, from the kindly fellow-vet, to the sexually frustrated IT technician, Wall Street-esque salesman, and the Filipino trophy wife, as they go about their lives working hard to screw over everybody they come into contact with. Throw into the mix some additional characters in the put-upon single mother, kindly nurse, and fast food restaurant employee with morals as loose as the kind of lips that sink ships, and you have an ensemble piece with some good points to make.
The writing is great. The author's descriptive prose is absolutely spot on, with believably and eminently unlikable characters who take your guts on a bit of a rollercoaster of disgust at their actions. The content is dark as night, with unflinching and unsettling scenes throughout to really give your emotions a kick. It's difficult to believe at some points that this is his first novel.
So why four stars? There was a recurring theme throughout the book (no spoilers) that I was disappointed to see returning time and again, which detracted from my overall enjoyment of what could have been an easy five star rated novel. With some tighter control of this particular theme, I expect that the second book by this author will be a stunning achievement and we could be looking at a new potential star of the indie scene. It's recommended reading, but please be warned that it is dark as fuck.
It's a kind of novel of interlinked stories that revolve around the people that pass a homeless veteran in their cars every morning, from the kindly fellow-vet, to the sexually frustrated IT technician, Wall Street-esque salesman, and the Filipino trophy wife, as they go about their lives working hard to screw over everybody they come into contact with. Throw into the mix some additional characters in the put-upon single mother, kindly nurse, and fast food restaurant employee with morals as loose as the kind of lips that sink ships, and you have an ensemble piece with some good points to make.
The writing is great. The author's descriptive prose is absolutely spot on, with believably and eminently unlikable characters who take your guts on a bit of a rollercoaster of disgust at their actions. The content is dark as night, with unflinching and unsettling scenes throughout to really give your emotions a kick. It's difficult to believe at some points that this is his first novel.
So why four stars? There was a recurring theme throughout the book (no spoilers) that I was disappointed to see returning time and again, which detracted from my overall enjoyment of what could have been an easy five star rated novel. With some tighter control of this particular theme, I expect that the second book by this author will be a stunning achievement and we could be looking at a new potential star of the indie scene. It's recommended reading, but please be warned that it is dark as fuck.
March 19, 2017
I had contradictory feelings about how to rate this book. The author's writing was very visceral; which, on one hand, speaks volumes about the writing. I would rate it 5*. However, because of this I was forced to entertain every repugnant emotion within me; sadness, anger, resentment, fear, hate etc. which is why I would have rated it 1*. So, I settled for a happy medium of 3*.
I've been told by many writers to write about what I know, so I couldn't help but think, what drove this writer to express the most gruesome aspects of humanity. Does he want to shock me? Has he had so many tragic experience with mankind? Is he simply a morose, hostile person? In any event, I found "Indifference" an unnecessary, selfish, indulgent waste of my emotions. However, I will read his next book if he decides to change his point of view.
I've been told by many writers to write about what I know, so I couldn't help but think, what drove this writer to express the most gruesome aspects of humanity. Does he want to shock me? Has he had so many tragic experience with mankind? Is he simply a morose, hostile person? In any event, I found "Indifference" an unnecessary, selfish, indulgent waste of my emotions. However, I will read his next book if he decides to change his point of view.
December 30, 2016
This is not a book to read for the faint of heart. As the author warns, there is a lot of violence and sex and swear words and just generally F’d up sh*t in this book. But if you go into it knowing what to expect, it’s a really good read.
I actually very much enjoyed the style of intertwining stories, which was something I wasn’t expecting. Some were better than the others, but almost all of them were really compelling. There wasn’t a huge amount of character development in general, but I didn’t feel that it was necessary in a book like this. There was possibly a little more gore than I would have liked, but there were definitely moments of brilliance in these tales, which I feel is deserving of a 5-star rating.
I actually very much enjoyed the style of intertwining stories, which was something I wasn’t expecting. Some were better than the others, but almost all of them were really compelling. There wasn’t a huge amount of character development in general, but I didn’t feel that it was necessary in a book like this. There was possibly a little more gore than I would have liked, but there were definitely moments of brilliance in these tales, which I feel is deserving of a 5-star rating.
February 5, 2017
Indifference is a collection of short stories wrapped in an honest angle. Most of the stories can be disturbing to some people. I would strongly advise not to eat anything during the reading because you have no idea how fast your imagination response to such content. For me personally, as honest as it sounds, I don't really like to go deeper into the dark side of the world. I know something bad may jump out of you in the corner of the street, but I just don't wanna be paranoid thinking about it. However, I like the way the author tries to bring out the ugly truth about the world. Shit happens everyday, and it can happen to you.
February 4, 2017
Indifference by Barry Blokes is a dark and haunting work narrated by a variety of characters from all walks of life. The common thread of the characters is darkness, not light. Hard, hard times so awful, I had trouble relating. To be clear, the relatability did not stop the writers voice from chilling me to my bone and enlightening my humanity and compassion. For that reason, I liked the novel. The enormity of the tragedies that exist in this world and between the pages of Indifference can be relatable to some and incomprehensible to others. Horrifying, emotional, and physical experience splatter across the pages in detail, leaving no group untouched.
No one is safe in this novel: from the sexually assaulted to the physically and emotionally abused children who fight the world he or she are so desperately trying to fit in. The author digs in deep to the mind of the homeless, the prostitute, and the veteran trying to adapt to this fast world full of technology. Technology which connects the world easier than ever before but in the speed, loses personal communication, interaction, and compassion. Blokes states in the beginning pages, the writing is therapy, perhaps others will experience a type of therapy, realizing their life is not as dark, explicit, and horrifying as the characters in Indifference and maybe they won't feel so alone.
No one is safe in this novel: from the sexually assaulted to the physically and emotionally abused children who fight the world he or she are so desperately trying to fit in. The author digs in deep to the mind of the homeless, the prostitute, and the veteran trying to adapt to this fast world full of technology. Technology which connects the world easier than ever before but in the speed, loses personal communication, interaction, and compassion. Blokes states in the beginning pages, the writing is therapy, perhaps others will experience a type of therapy, realizing their life is not as dark, explicit, and horrifying as the characters in Indifference and maybe they won't feel so alone.
March 9, 2017
America loves extremes. As a nation, it tends to love its soldiers but holds contempt for its homeless. Sadly, the latter emotion trumps the former, with many veterans given the cold shoulder after failing to adapt to civilian life and ending up on the streets .
This is the struggle at the core of Barry Blokes’ Indifference. Michael is a Vietnam vet who now spends his time bothering drivers for spare change; money that will keep him fed and, more importantly, drunk. The responses he gets from motorists vary greatly, from respect for his past to seering hatred for his current state.
Read the full review of Barry Blokes' Indifference here
This is the struggle at the core of Barry Blokes’ Indifference. Michael is a Vietnam vet who now spends his time bothering drivers for spare change; money that will keep him fed and, more importantly, drunk. The responses he gets from motorists vary greatly, from respect for his past to seering hatred for his current state.
Read the full review of Barry Blokes' Indifference here
February 23, 2017
Kevin Berg’s debut is a self-assured tryst with one’s darkest self.
Written confidently and from several perspectives, Indifference barrels along at pace introducing the reader to a myriad of characters, none of whom are in any way redeemable, but all the richer for their black spirits.
Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I felt that at times it lacked focus and that many of the plotlines were left unresolved or ended in an unsatisfactory manner. There were moments also where I felt the characters lacked a little depth and some scenes were motiveless set pieces utilised to convey actions without motives. For me, a clearer plotline would’ve assisted, but really, these are minor quibbles and didn’t spoil my overall enjoyment of the book. On a second reading, I suspect I may discover that I’ve grown to love these little imperfections, like the crack and hiss of vinyl.
What Indifference has in spades is insolence. That this is a first novel from Berg speaks volumes for the potential he has to develop into a very creative, and skilled writer. Berg has all the tools, and the creativity, to be a force in the genre. I look forward to seeing him employ what he has learned from writing Indifference on his next project.
Written confidently and from several perspectives, Indifference barrels along at pace introducing the reader to a myriad of characters, none of whom are in any way redeemable, but all the richer for their black spirits.
Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I felt that at times it lacked focus and that many of the plotlines were left unresolved or ended in an unsatisfactory manner. There were moments also where I felt the characters lacked a little depth and some scenes were motiveless set pieces utilised to convey actions without motives. For me, a clearer plotline would’ve assisted, but really, these are minor quibbles and didn’t spoil my overall enjoyment of the book. On a second reading, I suspect I may discover that I’ve grown to love these little imperfections, like the crack and hiss of vinyl.
What Indifference has in spades is insolence. That this is a first novel from Berg speaks volumes for the potential he has to develop into a very creative, and skilled writer. Berg has all the tools, and the creativity, to be a force in the genre. I look forward to seeing him employ what he has learned from writing Indifference on his next project.
April 1, 2017
For some reason I thought this would be a book based in a fantasy realm. It wasn't. I really enjoyed it.
It starts off with the author telling the reader that the book is a glimpse of some of the darkness that occurs in his mind... (or something similar!) Good grief!!
There doesn't seem to be any taboo that he doesn't include. The rape at the start definitely sets the tone for the rest of the book. I like dark novels but even by my standards, this was graphic. When you think... "he wouldn't..." he does! The first chapter alone left me extremely intrigued as to what would happen next and what path the protagonists life would take. It is grim throughout and the gore and bleak nature became a little bit repetitive, but not enough for me not to see it through to the end. I'd love to see how this would translate as a movie.
Not for the faint hearted.
It starts off with the author telling the reader that the book is a glimpse of some of the darkness that occurs in his mind... (or something similar!) Good grief!!
There doesn't seem to be any taboo that he doesn't include. The rape at the start definitely sets the tone for the rest of the book. I like dark novels but even by my standards, this was graphic. When you think... "he wouldn't..." he does! The first chapter alone left me extremely intrigued as to what would happen next and what path the protagonists life would take. It is grim throughout and the gore and bleak nature became a little bit repetitive, but not enough for me not to see it through to the end. I'd love to see how this would translate as a movie.
Not for the faint hearted.
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