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Kill [redacted]
Michael lost his wife in a terrorist attack on a London train. Since then, he has been seeing a therapist to help him come to terms with his grief—and his anger. He can't get over the fact that the man he holds responsible has seemingly got away scot-free. He doesn't blame the bombers, who he considers only as the logical conclusion to a long chain of events. No, to Michael's mind, the ultimate cause is the politician whose cynical policies have had such deadly impact abroad. His therapist suggests that he write his feelings down to help him forgive and move on, but as a retired headteacher, Michael believes that for every crime there should be a fitting punishment—and so in the pages of his diary he begins to set out the case for, and set about committing, murder. Waltzing through the darkling journal of a brilliant mind put to serious misuse, Kill [redacted] is a powerful and provocative exploration of the contours of grief and the limits of moral justice, and a blazing condemnation of all those who hold, and abuse, power.
416 pages, Paperback
First published February 7, 2019
67 people are currently reading
446 people want to read
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February 5, 2019
A terrorist bombing on the London Underground kills scores of people, one casualty being the wife of Michael, headteacher of an inner-city comprehensive boy’s school. Michael is devastated, he loved his wife, idolised her. But Michael does not sink into a pit of despair, though he is certainly depressed and has more than his fair share of bad days. Neither does he channel his energies into charity work or campaigning, as some might do. Instead, Michael’s mind turns to revenge. It is not the terrorists or their masterminds who are the focus of his ire however, but rather the British Prime Minister whose policies Michael feels provoked the terrorist outrage.
Kill Redacted is told entirely from Michael’s point of view, via a diary he keeps, “self-reflections” he writes for his counsellor, Angela, and the occasional letter he writes to others. This proves a remarkably good way to tell Michael’s tale, as he is an exact man, highly intelligent with a precise grasp of logic. An old school disciplinarian, his writings are didactic and take the reader along threads of logical analysis and reasoning. If this sounds boring, it is anything but, Michael proving to be a complex and fascinating character, if not a little chilling. This feeling that he’s more than a little dangerous, someone you might be wise not to cross, ratchets up as the pages turn.
Much of what Michael writes concerns his thoughts on his wife’s loss. He feels grief at her passing, at the fact that he will never hear her play the piano again, but he also feels great anger and rage towards the Prime Minister. He ruminates on the nature of justice and how the scales can be balanced, but drip fed in amongst all this are the concrete steps he is taking. Throughout the novel it is unclear just how decided he is on vengeance, but as he starts lifting weights at the gym, training in Muay Thai, considering how he might purchase weapons, the notion increasingly comes to dominate his thoughts. Throughout the narrative we also learn of Michael’s past - how he met his wife; just how traditional he was as a headteacher; the pupil, Paul, who he came to take under his wing; Sultan, another pupil, who he punished in the most brutal manner. This all fleshes out Michael as a character and reinforces the impression that he is a man who might be capable of something quite frightening.
Kill Redacted is a brilliant novel and one that is certain to prove controversial, not least because the unnamed Prime Minister that Michael is determined to kill is clearly meant to be Tony Blair. No date is given for the events in the book, but the explosion on the tube that kills Michael’s wife could well be the 7Th July bombings. Equally, Michael’s logic that the PM’s policies have provoked terror is exactly the criticism levelled at Blair. Indeed, Baroness Manningham-Buller, the former Director General of MI5, stated at the Iraq Inquiry that the invasion of that country had “substantially” increased the threat to the UK.
Throughout Kill Redacted, the Prime Minister’s name is redacted, blacked out like in a confidential official report. One chapter of the novel is almost completely redacted, line by line, presumably the narrative making clear who the PM is supposed to be. At the start of the novel there is a note from the publisher claiming that this redaction was carried out for legal reasons, though whether that is true or just a marketing ploy I cannot say. Whether or not the PM is Blair and whether the redactions were for legal reasons or just a writing device, they add a certain frisson to the narrative, a sense that one is reading something prohibited, and thus add to the enjoyment.
Kill Redacted is a brilliant novel and highly original. In fact, it is so good I think it’s going to take some beating. It’s only February and there’s another ten months to go but could this be my book of 2019? It’s more than a little possible.
Kill Redacted is told entirely from Michael’s point of view, via a diary he keeps, “self-reflections” he writes for his counsellor, Angela, and the occasional letter he writes to others. This proves a remarkably good way to tell Michael’s tale, as he is an exact man, highly intelligent with a precise grasp of logic. An old school disciplinarian, his writings are didactic and take the reader along threads of logical analysis and reasoning. If this sounds boring, it is anything but, Michael proving to be a complex and fascinating character, if not a little chilling. This feeling that he’s more than a little dangerous, someone you might be wise not to cross, ratchets up as the pages turn.
Much of what Michael writes concerns his thoughts on his wife’s loss. He feels grief at her passing, at the fact that he will never hear her play the piano again, but he also feels great anger and rage towards the Prime Minister. He ruminates on the nature of justice and how the scales can be balanced, but drip fed in amongst all this are the concrete steps he is taking. Throughout the novel it is unclear just how decided he is on vengeance, but as he starts lifting weights at the gym, training in Muay Thai, considering how he might purchase weapons, the notion increasingly comes to dominate his thoughts. Throughout the narrative we also learn of Michael’s past - how he met his wife; just how traditional he was as a headteacher; the pupil, Paul, who he came to take under his wing; Sultan, another pupil, who he punished in the most brutal manner. This all fleshes out Michael as a character and reinforces the impression that he is a man who might be capable of something quite frightening.
Kill Redacted is a brilliant novel and one that is certain to prove controversial, not least because the unnamed Prime Minister that Michael is determined to kill is clearly meant to be Tony Blair. No date is given for the events in the book, but the explosion on the tube that kills Michael’s wife could well be the 7Th July bombings. Equally, Michael’s logic that the PM’s policies have provoked terror is exactly the criticism levelled at Blair. Indeed, Baroness Manningham-Buller, the former Director General of MI5, stated at the Iraq Inquiry that the invasion of that country had “substantially” increased the threat to the UK.
Throughout Kill Redacted, the Prime Minister’s name is redacted, blacked out like in a confidential official report. One chapter of the novel is almost completely redacted, line by line, presumably the narrative making clear who the PM is supposed to be. At the start of the novel there is a note from the publisher claiming that this redaction was carried out for legal reasons, though whether that is true or just a marketing ploy I cannot say. Whether or not the PM is Blair and whether the redactions were for legal reasons or just a writing device, they add a certain frisson to the narrative, a sense that one is reading something prohibited, and thus add to the enjoyment.
Kill Redacted is a brilliant novel and highly original. In fact, it is so good I think it’s going to take some beating. It’s only February and there’s another ten months to go but could this be my book of 2019? It’s more than a little possible.
June 11, 2019
Firstly I would like to thank the people at Atlantic Books and Readers First for sending me a copy of this book. Although I was provided this book in exchange for a review, all the opinions and views discussed below are entirely my own.
Michael lost his wife in a terrorist attack on a London train. Since then he has been seeing a therapist to try and come to terms with his grief and anger, and help him move forward. But Michael can't move forward, and maybe he just doesn't want to. Michael believes in an eye for an eye, and he's not sure he can rest until he enacts his revenge.
I was honestly so excited about this book based upon the premise because it sounded really interesting, but honestly I found myself quite disappointed with this book. I just really struggled to enjoy the book, and the main character is such an awful person that I could not connect to him in anyway.
The plot honestly feels like it drags on; we get pages and pages of the same thing, and I honestly think you could just cut out 100 random pages and it wouldn't change the plot in the slightest. The main plot itself; of Michael's views on who deserves to pay for his wife's death was actually interesting, you could really see him unraveling as the story went on, and you can see him just emerge into a bit of a psychosis. It brings out real ethical and moral questions which is good, but it takes so long to actually get to the end and that made it really hard to care about this book.
I think one of my main problems is that I did not like the main character of Michael in any way. There are no redeeming qualities about him; and I feel mean saying that considering his wife has been taken from him, but the more we learn about him the more disturbed and angry I became. This is a man who abuses his power in every single way. He physically assaults his students at school, including burning one with acid. WHAT THE HELL. Are we meant to still feel sorry for this man when half of them time we are reading about him dragging young boys around, burning them, and threatening them. I just - completely baffled. And the way he treats his daughter as well; the assault on her early on in the book really upset me, and the way he just ignores her grief and loss for the rest of the book. I'm pretty sure at one point he tells her that he loves the parts of her that are like her mother - as in he doesn't love her as a person, only the bits that represent his wife. What a delightful thing to tell your grieving child. If this character was more likeable it would have greatly helped the book, but he just angered me so much and I had to put this book down many a time and just walk away to scream into nothingness.
I will admit that I do like the format of the book with the diary style of the book BUT I HATED THAT THERE WERE NO PAGE NUMBERS. GIVE ME PAGE NUMBERS.
Honestly overall I just did not like this book and I wouldn't recommend it. I would give this book a warning to people who have recently lost someone or are grieving; I would recommend giving this book a wide berth.
Michael lost his wife in a terrorist attack on a London train. Since then he has been seeing a therapist to try and come to terms with his grief and anger, and help him move forward. But Michael can't move forward, and maybe he just doesn't want to. Michael believes in an eye for an eye, and he's not sure he can rest until he enacts his revenge.
I was honestly so excited about this book based upon the premise because it sounded really interesting, but honestly I found myself quite disappointed with this book. I just really struggled to enjoy the book, and the main character is such an awful person that I could not connect to him in anyway.
The plot honestly feels like it drags on; we get pages and pages of the same thing, and I honestly think you could just cut out 100 random pages and it wouldn't change the plot in the slightest. The main plot itself; of Michael's views on who deserves to pay for his wife's death was actually interesting, you could really see him unraveling as the story went on, and you can see him just emerge into a bit of a psychosis. It brings out real ethical and moral questions which is good, but it takes so long to actually get to the end and that made it really hard to care about this book.
I think one of my main problems is that I did not like the main character of Michael in any way. There are no redeeming qualities about him; and I feel mean saying that considering his wife has been taken from him, but the more we learn about him the more disturbed and angry I became. This is a man who abuses his power in every single way. He physically assaults his students at school, including burning one with acid. WHAT THE HELL. Are we meant to still feel sorry for this man when half of them time we are reading about him dragging young boys around, burning them, and threatening them. I just - completely baffled. And the way he treats his daughter as well; the assault on her early on in the book really upset me, and the way he just ignores her grief and loss for the rest of the book. I'm pretty sure at one point he tells her that he loves the parts of her that are like her mother - as in he doesn't love her as a person, only the bits that represent his wife. What a delightful thing to tell your grieving child. If this character was more likeable it would have greatly helped the book, but he just angered me so much and I had to put this book down many a time and just walk away to scream into nothingness.
I will admit that I do like the format of the book with the diary style of the book BUT I HATED THAT THERE WERE NO PAGE NUMBERS. GIVE ME PAGE NUMBERS.
Honestly overall I just did not like this book and I wouldn't recommend it. I would give this book a warning to people who have recently lost someone or are grieving; I would recommend giving this book a wide berth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2024
“The task is first to evaluate most fully, the question of What is Right (given the circumstances)? And then to follow the conclusions to the very end, no matter how upsetting or frightening.”
I don’t think I’ve ever read anything quite like Anthony Good’s Kill [Redacted]. It’s been on my TBR list for a few years now and just when I was about to delete it, I decided to see if I could source it and wow, I’ve come to the end and I’m quite staggered if not a little unsettled. Totally glad that I finally read it, however, am left in a fairly reflective state.
Kill [Redacted] is like a series of diary entries in a way. Not dated and the pages aren’t even numbered. Michael, the main protagonist (we never find out his surname) has lost his wife in a terrorist attack on a London train. While there are echoes of the horrific London bombings from the mid 2000’s, there is no identifying information that links the themes in the book to that event. In fact, there is an opening paragraph that indicates the publishers have obscured all references to any actual person or event that is was inspired by. Hence, the redaction that occurs periodically throughout the book. The reader is left to fill the gaps. Interesting and intriguing literary device.
The whole book charts Michael’s journey and process following this event with a range of periodic reflections on his life prior to the event. We are never told his wife’s name and other characters are first name only. The main character besides Michael is his therapist, Angela and much of the book revolves around the grief counselling process. It is safe to say that Michael’s grief is extremely complex and complicated.
His daughter Amy is also a key player, although, we are not really privy to too much information about her other than the interactions that she and Michael have in relation to her mother and his wife. Their relationship is anything but smooth.
Underpinning the entire book is the concept of Right/Wrong and Good/Bad. Michael becomes stuck in the space of retribution for losing his wife. Who was responsible? What is the right thing to do? Who decides what is right? Who decides what is wrong? At one point I felt like I was reading a philosophy textbook on the ethics of morality and how morality is defined, with concepts like moral grey areas and moral flux to the fore. Is killing ever right? Is it good? Is it ever wrong not to kill if it has been decided that killing in this instance is right? I loved this part of the book that permeated throughout. It added such depth and authenticity to the themes and took the story from being ‘just another book’ to a real intrigue, plumbing the depths of human thought. The ending is sobering to say the very least.
This is quite a profound read. Not for everyone. It was a 5 star for me.
I don’t think I’ve ever read anything quite like Anthony Good’s Kill [Redacted]. It’s been on my TBR list for a few years now and just when I was about to delete it, I decided to see if I could source it and wow, I’ve come to the end and I’m quite staggered if not a little unsettled. Totally glad that I finally read it, however, am left in a fairly reflective state.
Kill [Redacted] is like a series of diary entries in a way. Not dated and the pages aren’t even numbered. Michael, the main protagonist (we never find out his surname) has lost his wife in a terrorist attack on a London train. While there are echoes of the horrific London bombings from the mid 2000’s, there is no identifying information that links the themes in the book to that event. In fact, there is an opening paragraph that indicates the publishers have obscured all references to any actual person or event that is was inspired by. Hence, the redaction that occurs periodically throughout the book. The reader is left to fill the gaps. Interesting and intriguing literary device.
The whole book charts Michael’s journey and process following this event with a range of periodic reflections on his life prior to the event. We are never told his wife’s name and other characters are first name only. The main character besides Michael is his therapist, Angela and much of the book revolves around the grief counselling process. It is safe to say that Michael’s grief is extremely complex and complicated.
His daughter Amy is also a key player, although, we are not really privy to too much information about her other than the interactions that she and Michael have in relation to her mother and his wife. Their relationship is anything but smooth.
Underpinning the entire book is the concept of Right/Wrong and Good/Bad. Michael becomes stuck in the space of retribution for losing his wife. Who was responsible? What is the right thing to do? Who decides what is right? Who decides what is wrong? At one point I felt like I was reading a philosophy textbook on the ethics of morality and how morality is defined, with concepts like moral grey areas and moral flux to the fore. Is killing ever right? Is it good? Is it ever wrong not to kill if it has been decided that killing in this instance is right? I loved this part of the book that permeated throughout. It added such depth and authenticity to the themes and took the story from being ‘just another book’ to a real intrigue, plumbing the depths of human thought. The ending is sobering to say the very least.
This is quite a profound read. Not for everyone. It was a 5 star for me.
March 1, 2019
This was such an interesting read right from the very beginning. I absolutely loved the format of the book, even if it did take a little while to adjust to it.
Although the way that Michael felt was completely understandable, it really made me wonder whether or not people could really come up with such an immense and intricate plan of revenge. It felt a little extreme to me. It was most definitely an interesting thing to read about, and I times I felt like I was reading a real life story!
The end of the book had me completely hooked! I loved hearing more about Michael's wife and seeing why he was so upset.
Even now, I am still in shock about his wife and how Michael pulled off his ultimate revenge!
Very good book!
Although the way that Michael felt was completely understandable, it really made me wonder whether or not people could really come up with such an immense and intricate plan of revenge. It felt a little extreme to me. It was most definitely an interesting thing to read about, and I times I felt like I was reading a real life story!
The end of the book had me completely hooked! I loved hearing more about Michael's wife and seeing why he was so upset.
Even now, I am still in shock about his wife and how Michael pulled off his ultimate revenge!
Very good book!
Read
May 8, 2019books without page numbers are frustrating, pass it on
so yes with the exception of having entirely no clue of how far I was into this book, this was a really intriguing read? A really interesting look into motivations of revenge, as well as psychology etc. Plus I really loved the format with all the redacted parts.,
But on the flip side, like I said, the format meant there was no page numbers and that really did not help with the feeling of repetition that parts had, and I started to feel a bit lost within the book. I did actually skip large sections & go to the end, which is why I feel I can’t give this a star rating either? Maybe I’ll give it another go in the future when I’m in a more suitable mood
so yes with the exception of having entirely no clue of how far I was into this book, this was a really intriguing read? A really interesting look into motivations of revenge, as well as psychology etc. Plus I really loved the format with all the redacted parts.,
But on the flip side, like I said, the format meant there was no page numbers and that really did not help with the feeling of repetition that parts had, and I started to feel a bit lost within the book. I did actually skip large sections & go to the end, which is why I feel I can’t give this a star rating either? Maybe I’ll give it another go in the future when I’m in a more suitable mood
July 30, 2019
Michael, a retired headmaster grieving for his wife, the victim of a terrorist attack, asks himself the question of who is really responsible for what happened, not the bombers themselves, not the bomb makers, but the ‘bomb-triggerers’, the politician enriching himself from his time in office.
There’s much more to this story than seeking vengeance; the narration soon reveals more about Michael’s character. As he recalls his career Good’s skill is in the narrator considering himself as a realist struggling with difficult pupils, but coming over to the reader as a cruel authoritarian.
As an ex-teacher of 31 years this is an admirably accurate portrayal of a Headteacher’s traits I have seen all too frequently.
There’s much more to this story than seeking vengeance; the narration soon reveals more about Michael’s character. As he recalls his career Good’s skill is in the narrator considering himself as a realist struggling with difficult pupils, but coming over to the reader as a cruel authoritarian.
As an ex-teacher of 31 years this is an admirably accurate portrayal of a Headteacher’s traits I have seen all too frequently.
April 21, 2020
A very mediocre book - one of the worst I have read lately - firstly it has no page numbers of anything else to tell you where you are up to - just an endless succession of short chapters of mostly one or two pages which one assumes are diary extracts. There are also no explanations about author or what the intent was so it is both tedious and hard work to read.
As it was a gift I persisted and it improved marginally towards the end with some twists and genuine tension in the last few pages. However all in all it is a poor reading experience - none of the characters are likeable and the main character is incredibly narcistic and self obsessed. There are some interesting insights into the characteristics of self obsession but that is the best I can say.
As it was a gift I persisted and it improved marginally towards the end with some twists and genuine tension in the last few pages. However all in all it is a poor reading experience - none of the characters are likeable and the main character is incredibly narcistic and self obsessed. There are some interesting insights into the characteristics of self obsession but that is the best I can say.
September 9, 2023
Ever since Michael lost his wife in a terror attack on a London train, he has been seeing Angela, his therapist.
She has suggested writing a diary to help him come to terms with his grief but instead it fuels his anger.
Surely someone should be held responsible for the attack, and Michael knows just who it should be.
This is a story about revenge and it’s also a story about love and how far we are willing to go to show our loved ones we care.
I didn’t love this book but it was ok. There are some parts that felt way too long and the middle of the story dragged out a bit.
There are some good twists and the short chapters made it an easy read.
She has suggested writing a diary to help him come to terms with his grief but instead it fuels his anger.
Surely someone should be held responsible for the attack, and Michael knows just who it should be.
This is a story about revenge and it’s also a story about love and how far we are willing to go to show our loved ones we care.
I didn’t love this book but it was ok. There are some parts that felt way too long and the middle of the story dragged out a bit.
There are some good twists and the short chapters made it an easy read.
January 30, 2020
This book nearly makes 4 stars for me - entertaining read about a man driven mad by grief, but already an arrogant, unpleasant bully. Putting these together gives a narrator with sharp, black humoured and crazy thoughts on his narrow view of the world. Some of the things he did I still don’t get, and of course he is a very unlikeable character, but an interesting and different type of thriller.
February 15, 2019
Intense and authentic
Kill [redacted] took my breath away with its intensity and authenticity. It is hard to believe that it is a debut novel; the prose is confident and accomplished and the plot is cleverly drawn, using several storylines that subtly shift between time frames and carefully come together to create a powerful and poignant ending. The main character, Michael, is complex and compelling and his emotionally charged intellectual musings and personal interactions are dark and disturbing. This book is unlike anything I have read before and it has certainly left a lasting impression on me. I am very much looking forward to the author's next book, although I feel Kill [redacted] is going to be a hard act to follow.
I won a copy of this book in a Readers First giveaway.
Kill [redacted] took my breath away with its intensity and authenticity. It is hard to believe that it is a debut novel; the prose is confident and accomplished and the plot is cleverly drawn, using several storylines that subtly shift between time frames and carefully come together to create a powerful and poignant ending. The main character, Michael, is complex and compelling and his emotionally charged intellectual musings and personal interactions are dark and disturbing. This book is unlike anything I have read before and it has certainly left a lasting impression on me. I am very much looking forward to the author's next book, although I feel Kill [redacted] is going to be a hard act to follow.
I won a copy of this book in a Readers First giveaway.
February 6, 2020
This book is a tough read throughout, told entirely through the mind of a man who has lost his wife to a terrorist attack. Written as self expressions or notes to his therapist, initially I was drawn in thinking his grief and the repercussions would be explored.
I mean, the title alone gives you an idea of where the story may go. I was expecting a twisted story of revenge and possibly redemption. I expected characters and a story.
I was disappointed - the only character is Michael, our narrator and his opinions of the handful of people he interacts with. The reveals, if you will, weren’t surprising. The big twist is minuscule. The writing itself is laborious to read and this book could easily have been edited down to 250 pages with nothing lost, maybe even had more of an impact.
Two stars because yes you can get through it, but at the expense of unproven expectation. Characters who could have added to the story, the promise of things that may happen will keep you going. I was disappointed in the lack of any actual progression - of Michael’s mind or his choices.
If the author intended to write a dark, damaged and challenging character, he has succeeded. Other than that, I didn’t find any substance within the intriguing packaging.
I mean, the title alone gives you an idea of where the story may go. I was expecting a twisted story of revenge and possibly redemption. I expected characters and a story.
I was disappointed - the only character is Michael, our narrator and his opinions of the handful of people he interacts with. The reveals, if you will, weren’t surprising. The big twist is minuscule. The writing itself is laborious to read and this book could easily have been edited down to 250 pages with nothing lost, maybe even had more of an impact.
Two stars because yes you can get through it, but at the expense of unproven expectation. Characters who could have added to the story, the promise of things that may happen will keep you going. I was disappointed in the lack of any actual progression - of Michael’s mind or his choices.
If the author intended to write a dark, damaged and challenging character, he has succeeded. Other than that, I didn’t find any substance within the intriguing packaging.
February 20, 2019
A really different sort of read.
Michael the head teacher of a school, has lost his wife in a terrorist attack on a London underground train. Full of anger and his life now in bits he tries, with the help of his therapist Angela, to come to terms with what has happened. He makes plans for revenge on those who he feels are responsible for the attack and begins to put this plot into action. The book is written in a bit of a mix of styles, including letters and journal entries, the ending was unexpected.
In some ways I found, this book, a bit eerie especially with the redacted bits, which gives the book a look of a censored document. I think the author is very clever to be able to imagine what it must be like to suffer in such a way and the book takes the reader on a journey into the mind of a man who is travelling into madness.
I reached the end of the book and felt a bit unsure about what I felt about, it may well be that it is just so different to the usual books I read.
Michael the head teacher of a school, has lost his wife in a terrorist attack on a London underground train. Full of anger and his life now in bits he tries, with the help of his therapist Angela, to come to terms with what has happened. He makes plans for revenge on those who he feels are responsible for the attack and begins to put this plot into action. The book is written in a bit of a mix of styles, including letters and journal entries, the ending was unexpected.
In some ways I found, this book, a bit eerie especially with the redacted bits, which gives the book a look of a censored document. I think the author is very clever to be able to imagine what it must be like to suffer in such a way and the book takes the reader on a journey into the mind of a man who is travelling into madness.
I reached the end of the book and felt a bit unsure about what I felt about, it may well be that it is just so different to the usual books I read.
April 14, 2020
I listened to the audiobook version of this.
This was an interesting and thought provoking read, following the thoughts of a man who is being torn apart from grief after losing his wife to a terrorist attack. Just how would you react? Do you have the capacity to forgive? Or do you just want revenge and retribution for the act carried out which has destroyed your family?
Michael is the distraught husband in the story, and through his own thoughts, his past, his talks with his therapist, we get to witness the way his mind is working and processing the tragic events. The glimpses we see of him before the atrocity lets us know he's not the nicest of characters himself - as a headteacher he wants his rules obeyed at all times and thinks nothing of disciplining the pupils in the most severe ways. There seems very little compassion to his personality - if you do wrong, there must be consequences. No matter if you're a pupil, his daughter... or a terrorist.
It was often hard to find myself caring too much for Michael despite what he'd been through, I had more compassion for his daughter who was also struggling to deal with the loss of her mother, but he seemed to disregard her feelings. He always finds a way to justify his behaviour and responses which shows a lot about his state of mind - this is a man who is very angry at the world and having a plan of revenge allows him to have a routine and distraction from dealing with his own grief in a rational way.
There's paranoia in his day to day life now, and even when talking with the therapist he has an answer for everything, and can find no way of relating to his daughter which was the saddest part of the story. When the family should be pulling together, he's pulling it apart.
I found the last third of the book most revealing and shocking and that helped regain my interest again as it began to repeat itself a little during the middle. It's a book that gives you a lot to think about in questioning justice and grieving in such terrible circumstances.
This was an interesting and thought provoking read, following the thoughts of a man who is being torn apart from grief after losing his wife to a terrorist attack. Just how would you react? Do you have the capacity to forgive? Or do you just want revenge and retribution for the act carried out which has destroyed your family?
Michael is the distraught husband in the story, and through his own thoughts, his past, his talks with his therapist, we get to witness the way his mind is working and processing the tragic events. The glimpses we see of him before the atrocity lets us know he's not the nicest of characters himself - as a headteacher he wants his rules obeyed at all times and thinks nothing of disciplining the pupils in the most severe ways. There seems very little compassion to his personality - if you do wrong, there must be consequences. No matter if you're a pupil, his daughter... or a terrorist.
It was often hard to find myself caring too much for Michael despite what he'd been through, I had more compassion for his daughter who was also struggling to deal with the loss of her mother, but he seemed to disregard her feelings. He always finds a way to justify his behaviour and responses which shows a lot about his state of mind - this is a man who is very angry at the world and having a plan of revenge allows him to have a routine and distraction from dealing with his own grief in a rational way.
There's paranoia in his day to day life now, and even when talking with the therapist he has an answer for everything, and can find no way of relating to his daughter which was the saddest part of the story. When the family should be pulling together, he's pulling it apart.
I found the last third of the book most revealing and shocking and that helped regain my interest again as it began to repeat itself a little during the middle. It's a book that gives you a lot to think about in questioning justice and grieving in such terrible circumstances.
June 16, 2025
Kill [Redacted] by Anthony Good. My ebook had 700 pages, it wasn’t funny or satirical.
“I said to my wife, “Please don’t leave,” while we were arguing, and she said she was going to be late and so she had to leave, and she did, and on her journey she was killed by an explosion on the Underground.”
Only the best part of the book was the above paragraph, after that it didn’t capture my interest.
“I said to my wife, “Please don’t leave,” while we were arguing, and she said she was going to be late and so she had to leave, and she did, and on her journey she was killed by an explosion on the Underground.”
Only the best part of the book was the above paragraph, after that it didn’t capture my interest.
March 14, 2019
This is a very Good book!!!
The author possesses very strong command of the language. The storytelling vivid and and cruel.
I found my self trying to reprogram my face while reading it.
Not very good read for the bed especially towards the end when you have to wake up early the next day.
Avoid it if you really hate someone and you are working in the IT sector.
The author possesses very strong command of the language. The storytelling vivid and and cruel.
I found my self trying to reprogram my face while reading it.
Not very good read for the bed especially towards the end when you have to wake up early the next day.
Avoid it if you really hate someone and you are working in the IT sector.
February 15, 2020
Wow what a book... so complicated in the way he writes his characters and that ending.... 😮!!!! You go through the stages of grief with him... until you realise he’s been lying to you and then you feel conflicted and confused. This is amazing and very profound.
April 20, 2020
Interesting concept but I didn't care enough about the characters
December 7, 2022
Unusual and compelling, provided one doesn't expect to like or truly sympathize with the protagonist. The diary form is very well done.
August 31, 2023
It’s an interesting premise but the main character is extremely unlikable
September 19, 2019
Wow. The first few pages of the last chapter (really 'journal entry') makes the book. There were hints of what's coming, early on, if you paid attention, but they were so subtle as to deliver a sense of real satisfaction when it's proven that you deduced the situation correctly.
Yes, there are still holes in the narrative, and leaps of faith required for the plausibility of the preparation part, but in the end the book delivers.
In the end, this reminded me of Andy Weir's "The Martian" in terms of character-building, attention to (most) detail(s), and excitement. It's more of a 'Young Adult' view of a revenge-killing story, but set in the real world with adult themes. He never delves too deeply into them, but provides just enough tidbits and details to wet the appetite.
In the end, are we reading a story, or have we been unwittingly tricked into reading the killer's (published) manifesto? That, to me, is the crux of this book.
Yes, there are still holes in the narrative, and leaps of faith required for the plausibility of the preparation part, but in the end the book delivers.
In the end, this reminded me of Andy Weir's "The Martian" in terms of character-building, attention to (most) detail(s), and excitement. It's more of a 'Young Adult' view of a revenge-killing story, but set in the real world with adult themes. He never delves too deeply into them, but provides just enough tidbits and details to wet the appetite.
In the end, are we reading a story, or have we been unwittingly tricked into reading the killer's (published) manifesto? That, to me, is the crux of this book.
April 13, 2019
This book reads as if it’s a diary written by control freak Michael, his intriguing deranged mind has been somewhat warped by the loss of his wife, who was bombed by a terrorist. This book is a complex and sometimes jarring read, but the author does a good job of keeping the reader interested by taking the reader on a fine ramble through Michaels mind. Based on one of the London transport bombings on 7th July 2005, this deals with a recent terrorist attack quite well, the narrative follows the aftermath and people who have to move on with their lives, written from the perspective of the husband Michael.
Don’t be fooled by the terrorist theme in the summary, this is all about the character of Michael and his many faults and sometimes psychopathic behaviours, these revealed as he increasingly tells us his inner truths. He writes a lot of this diary to his therapist, so withholds some information in these parts, which is contained in his personal section of the diary. There is a great dynamic between the therapist and Michael, this working relationship appears to come on in stilted spurts and bounds, although it doesn’t come across as truly authentic, there is a solid contrast between the characters, but we see some similar flaws in each of their character unfurl.
Michael holds one man to account for the loss of his wife and he will not let it go. There are other characters which come in, in their own way flawed, assisting Michael with his plots of vengeance. Michael comes across as a highly intelligent and dysfunctional individual, an anti-hero. His high moral values are absolute, combined with a complete lack of emphatic skill, leading to many injustices to those on the wrong side of his moral boundary. As this is written as a diary, it really captures his imagination and personality, it’s not clear which parts are fantasy and which real, the most significant aspect is the personality disorder of Michael. A lot of Michael’s feats are hard to believe, which doesn’t affect the authenticity of this novel, it just places Michael in the guise of a fantasist writing down his darkest desires, as this is the only way he can deal with the complete lack of control in the unfathomable loss of his wife. But even after reading this book, it could be interpreted many different ways.
In conclusion, this book is a great study of the many negative elements of the human psyche, there may be parts where you want to take a break from it, some portions are a bit repetitive but it’s engaging and will keep you involved until the end. Well done Tony Good, this is an original and surprising first book.
Don’t be fooled by the terrorist theme in the summary, this is all about the character of Michael and his many faults and sometimes psychopathic behaviours, these revealed as he increasingly tells us his inner truths. He writes a lot of this diary to his therapist, so withholds some information in these parts, which is contained in his personal section of the diary. There is a great dynamic between the therapist and Michael, this working relationship appears to come on in stilted spurts and bounds, although it doesn’t come across as truly authentic, there is a solid contrast between the characters, but we see some similar flaws in each of their character unfurl.
Michael holds one man to account for the loss of his wife and he will not let it go. There are other characters which come in, in their own way flawed, assisting Michael with his plots of vengeance. Michael comes across as a highly intelligent and dysfunctional individual, an anti-hero. His high moral values are absolute, combined with a complete lack of emphatic skill, leading to many injustices to those on the wrong side of his moral boundary. As this is written as a diary, it really captures his imagination and personality, it’s not clear which parts are fantasy and which real, the most significant aspect is the personality disorder of Michael. A lot of Michael’s feats are hard to believe, which doesn’t affect the authenticity of this novel, it just places Michael in the guise of a fantasist writing down his darkest desires, as this is the only way he can deal with the complete lack of control in the unfathomable loss of his wife. But even after reading this book, it could be interpreted many different ways.
In conclusion, this book is a great study of the many negative elements of the human psyche, there may be parts where you want to take a break from it, some portions are a bit repetitive but it’s engaging and will keep you involved until the end. Well done Tony Good, this is an original and surprising first book.
February 7, 2019
Michael has lost his wife in a terrorist attack. He is determined to get his revenge – not on the terrorists themselves, but on the politician who he sees as ultimately responsible.
However Kill [redacted] isn’t a predictable action thriller, and Michael isn’t quite the usual gung-ho vigilante. He’s a rather pedantic retired headmaster. As the novel develops, we learn, through a series of disjointed notes apparently prepared by Michael for his therapist, about his life, his family and the events that shaped his decision.
Michael is both articulate and evasive as he outlines how his attitudes to discipline and punishment have been shaped during his time as a teacher and an earlier brief career in the police.
He allows us occasional, tantalising glimpses of how others see him, prickly, odd, obsessive. By contrast he shows great tenderness when he describes his memories of his wife. It is a touching illustration of how bereavement not only takes away the person you loved, but the person you were when you were with them.
Michael is at times rigid and authoritarian, at others extremely open to new ideas and learning, particularly in furtherance of his planned assassination. There is bleak humour as we see the odd places this takes him, and the unlikely allies he enlists. Beneath it all is an insistent rise in the tension as he closes in on his target.
At the heart of the novel is a clever dissection of power and responsibility, in politics, in the classroom, in the home. Kill [redacted] is an original and smart literary thriller.
*
I received a copy of Kill [redacted] from the publisher.
Read more of my reviews on my blog https://katevane.com/blog
However Kill [redacted] isn’t a predictable action thriller, and Michael isn’t quite the usual gung-ho vigilante. He’s a rather pedantic retired headmaster. As the novel develops, we learn, through a series of disjointed notes apparently prepared by Michael for his therapist, about his life, his family and the events that shaped his decision.
Michael is both articulate and evasive as he outlines how his attitudes to discipline and punishment have been shaped during his time as a teacher and an earlier brief career in the police.
He allows us occasional, tantalising glimpses of how others see him, prickly, odd, obsessive. By contrast he shows great tenderness when he describes his memories of his wife. It is a touching illustration of how bereavement not only takes away the person you loved, but the person you were when you were with them.
Michael is at times rigid and authoritarian, at others extremely open to new ideas and learning, particularly in furtherance of his planned assassination. There is bleak humour as we see the odd places this takes him, and the unlikely allies he enlists. Beneath it all is an insistent rise in the tension as he closes in on his target.
At the heart of the novel is a clever dissection of power and responsibility, in politics, in the classroom, in the home. Kill [redacted] is an original and smart literary thriller.
*
I received a copy of Kill [redacted] from the publisher.
Read more of my reviews on my blog https://katevane.com/blog
April 2, 2019
Every second was brilliant
Kill (redacted) is an absolutely brilliant book. I started reading it the moment it arrived and did not put it down until I finished it. From the first page to the last I was gripped. The characters were believable and relatable, and the author made no attempt to make the reader like them, especially the main character and that added to the novels realness. Kill (redacted) felt like the series ‘Waterloo road’ meets the film ‘Taxi driver’ I cannot rate this book highly enough, I loved every part of it, the cover looks good, and the book feels good to hold, the writing was brilliant and the way the story has been woven together in such a way that the reader is pulled into the story and wants to read on. I also liked the fact there was no page numbers, it felt like the reader was reading the main characters thoughts, and entering his mind. I will definitely be recommending this book to friends and other readers.
Kill (redacted) is an absolutely brilliant book. I started reading it the moment it arrived and did not put it down until I finished it. From the first page to the last I was gripped. The characters were believable and relatable, and the author made no attempt to make the reader like them, especially the main character and that added to the novels realness. Kill (redacted) felt like the series ‘Waterloo road’ meets the film ‘Taxi driver’ I cannot rate this book highly enough, I loved every part of it, the cover looks good, and the book feels good to hold, the writing was brilliant and the way the story has been woven together in such a way that the reader is pulled into the story and wants to read on. I also liked the fact there was no page numbers, it felt like the reader was reading the main characters thoughts, and entering his mind. I will definitely be recommending this book to friends and other readers.
March 3, 2019
1 Star for the original formatting. The use of ‘redacted’ sections/words give it authenticity and intrigue. A real-life edge to the unfolding story, reading like a police dossier.
1 Star for the moral and ethical conundrums raised by the author. There is genuine merit in considering many of the positions/stances we take about social, political and ethical issues.
Unfortunately the heinous, narcissistic, loathsome protagonist Michael offers no redeeming qualities. He is an appalling educator, disengaged father, and self-centred man who blames all and sundry for the woes of his life.
There was so much potential to build empathy and position the reader to connect with the moral dilemma but he is so revolting I could find no redeeming qualities in the character.
1 Star for the moral and ethical conundrums raised by the author. There is genuine merit in considering many of the positions/stances we take about social, political and ethical issues.
Unfortunately the heinous, narcissistic, loathsome protagonist Michael offers no redeeming qualities. He is an appalling educator, disengaged father, and self-centred man who blames all and sundry for the woes of his life.
There was so much potential to build empathy and position the reader to connect with the moral dilemma but he is so revolting I could find no redeeming qualities in the character.
March 7, 2019
"The last words I said to my wife: Please don't leave. I said to my wife please don't leave, while we were arguing and she said she was going to be late and so she had to leave, and she did and on her journey she was killed by an explosion on the Underground"
Michael lost his wife in a terrorist attack on a London train. Since the event Michael has been seeing a therapist in order to control the emotions that he is experiencing through the loss of his wife. Written in the form of a diary, this book follows Michael's journey through realisation, regret, revenge, blame, love and hate. Michael believes the theory "an eye for an eye", however will he turn his belief into action?
TRIGGER WARNING: If you have lost somebody close to you recently, or books surround deaths trigger you .. do not pick up this book. It can be very raw at times and I feel like I would have liked that warning before going into it.
Firstly, I want to say that I was very lucky to receive this book to review through Readers First. Thank you for the opportunity Atlantic Books. This book is very unusual in relation to the writing style and the general plot. I can't say that I have ever read a book like it which works in favour for me. Whilst the writing style did take a bit of getting used to, in the most I did like it albeit at some points it could be confusing and I did lose interest in parts.
The issue I had with this book was that I feel like it was far too long for what it actually was. I found that after the first couple of hundred pages I was bored and I just did not want to carry on. I have to confess that I did read this in one sitting, so I've kind of contradicted myself but I feel like if I had put it down I may not have picked it up again. This is a shame because the general premise of the book had me interested I just feel like it was dragged out for too long which inevitably led me to lose interest. I am ashamed to say that a fair amount of it I did skim read, as whilst I wanted to know how it ended I didn't feel like I wanted to know most of the bits in-between.
As I have already stated, this book is raw and there are a lot of emotions flying about. I felt that I had a real emotional connection with the plot however I could not connect to any of the person. I felt like all of them irritated me in some way and there wasn't a person in the book that I could connect with.
The author did well with portraying the different emotions people experience with grief allowing the reader to understand that people experience life situations differently and that there is no correct way to grieve. Our characters took different stances throughout the book whether that be sadness, anger, happiness or confusion. This would change very quickly which I believe is a true depiction of how individuals deal with this life changing emotion.
Overall, parts of this book I enjoyed and parts I did not. However I would recommend this to people who feel like they can handle a book with raw emotions of grief within, as the depiction of this is fantastic. It is definitely worth your while reading it.
Michael lost his wife in a terrorist attack on a London train. Since the event Michael has been seeing a therapist in order to control the emotions that he is experiencing through the loss of his wife. Written in the form of a diary, this book follows Michael's journey through realisation, regret, revenge, blame, love and hate. Michael believes the theory "an eye for an eye", however will he turn his belief into action?
TRIGGER WARNING: If you have lost somebody close to you recently, or books surround deaths trigger you .. do not pick up this book. It can be very raw at times and I feel like I would have liked that warning before going into it.
Firstly, I want to say that I was very lucky to receive this book to review through Readers First. Thank you for the opportunity Atlantic Books. This book is very unusual in relation to the writing style and the general plot. I can't say that I have ever read a book like it which works in favour for me. Whilst the writing style did take a bit of getting used to, in the most I did like it albeit at some points it could be confusing and I did lose interest in parts.
The issue I had with this book was that I feel like it was far too long for what it actually was. I found that after the first couple of hundred pages I was bored and I just did not want to carry on. I have to confess that I did read this in one sitting, so I've kind of contradicted myself but I feel like if I had put it down I may not have picked it up again. This is a shame because the general premise of the book had me interested I just feel like it was dragged out for too long which inevitably led me to lose interest. I am ashamed to say that a fair amount of it I did skim read, as whilst I wanted to know how it ended I didn't feel like I wanted to know most of the bits in-between.
As I have already stated, this book is raw and there are a lot of emotions flying about. I felt that I had a real emotional connection with the plot however I could not connect to any of the person. I felt like all of them irritated me in some way and there wasn't a person in the book that I could connect with.
The author did well with portraying the different emotions people experience with grief allowing the reader to understand that people experience life situations differently and that there is no correct way to grieve. Our characters took different stances throughout the book whether that be sadness, anger, happiness or confusion. This would change very quickly which I believe is a true depiction of how individuals deal with this life changing emotion.
Overall, parts of this book I enjoyed and parts I did not. However I would recommend this to people who feel like they can handle a book with raw emotions of grief within, as the depiction of this is fantastic. It is definitely worth your while reading it.
August 26, 2020
This is a very curious novel which I stumbled upon quite by chance, via the ebooks section of my local library. (I like that the title is stubbornly resistant to SEO; the ‘[redacted]’ section does not actually appear on the cover, and it was only listed as ‘Kill’ in the library’s catalogue.)
Michael, the headmaster of a secondary school, has lost his wife in a terrorist attack. The text is supposedly a set of written journals and/or letters to his therapist, in which he gradually commits himself to taking revenge against the person he considers responsible. That person’s name is redacted from the text, which is otherwise available in full apart from one or two longer sections that have been entirely blanked out.
The epigraph quote from the legendary experimental novelist B. S. Johnson suggests that the author might be up to something tricksy. And that’s about half-true, although for the most part this is a fairly conventional case of an unreliable narrator. The book itself doesn’t reach for many of the kind of formal innovations of which Johnson was fond, although there are playful touches (the clips of sheet music are a nice touch). But it does present a very compelling picture of what would now be called ‘toxic masculinity’, especially in a context that fits in with the way we think about education in Britain today.
Michael is truly, deeply unlikable — a violent, paranoid, abusive bully — one who is fully accustomed to getting his own way. He’s a classic ‘Little Englander’, devoid of empathy, with a vastly enlarged sense of self-importance and a perpetual chip on his shoulder. And yet by the end of the book, there’s a sense in which we want him to succeed. Maybe that’s because his [redacted] target emerges as a figure of power, after all; he ends up ‘punching up’, rather than ‘punching down’. And that’s fine (and perhaps necessary for the book to feel like anything other than harrowing) but in the end, ‘punching up’ seems a little out-of-character for Michael, given that he spends so much of the rest of the book grinding the faces of those he considers beneath him.
Michael, the headmaster of a secondary school, has lost his wife in a terrorist attack. The text is supposedly a set of written journals and/or letters to his therapist, in which he gradually commits himself to taking revenge against the person he considers responsible. That person’s name is redacted from the text, which is otherwise available in full apart from one or two longer sections that have been entirely blanked out.
The epigraph quote from the legendary experimental novelist B. S. Johnson suggests that the author might be up to something tricksy. And that’s about half-true, although for the most part this is a fairly conventional case of an unreliable narrator. The book itself doesn’t reach for many of the kind of formal innovations of which Johnson was fond, although there are playful touches (the clips of sheet music are a nice touch). But it does present a very compelling picture of what would now be called ‘toxic masculinity’, especially in a context that fits in with the way we think about education in Britain today.
Michael is truly, deeply unlikable — a violent, paranoid, abusive bully — one who is fully accustomed to getting his own way. He’s a classic ‘Little Englander’, devoid of empathy, with a vastly enlarged sense of self-importance and a perpetual chip on his shoulder. And yet by the end of the book, there’s a sense in which we want him to succeed. Maybe that’s because his [redacted] target emerges as a figure of power, after all; he ends up ‘punching up’, rather than ‘punching down’. And that’s fine (and perhaps necessary for the book to feel like anything other than harrowing) but in the end, ‘punching up’ seems a little out-of-character for Michael, given that he spends so much of the rest of the book grinding the faces of those he considers beneath him.
March 10, 2019
The book is laid out in the form of diary entries which Micheal has been tasked to record by his therapist Angela as a way to get down his thought’s and try to deal with his grief over the loss of his wife. I have to admit, because of this start, stop, slightly all over the place way of recording his memories, it did take me a little while to get into the rhythm and flow of this story. At one point I almost put this aside as a DNF. However, the premise of the book really did intrigue me so I persisted on as I was still really intrigued where it was going.
This is one of those books where I’m really glad I did carry on reading as once I was in the mindset of the main character Micheal I became fully immersed with the story that was being told. I had to keep reminding myself that this is a work of fiction because the thoughts and feelings of Micheal are so intense it’s almost as if I actually was reading the private thoughts of an actual person.
I went on a journey with Micheal though this book. I experienced his grief and anger and his decline as he becomes solely fixated on the murder of a politician. To read how Micheal rationalises his thought process and how he squares away with himself that was he is doing is morally right was actually terrifying.
I personally felt like the ending came a little abruptly and I’m still left with so many questions which in some books works fine but for me I really felt like with this particular book I needed the answers to what happens next and how things conclude.
I’m rather baffled by this book as there are a lot of things I liked about it but I don’t feel like it’s finished. I read to the end so that’s got to say something that it kept my interest enough to want to finish but I feel a little deflated. Despite this, I would still recommend this book even if it’s for Micheal’s character alone as he really is like no other character I have read about.
This is one of those books where I’m really glad I did carry on reading as once I was in the mindset of the main character Micheal I became fully immersed with the story that was being told. I had to keep reminding myself that this is a work of fiction because the thoughts and feelings of Micheal are so intense it’s almost as if I actually was reading the private thoughts of an actual person.
I went on a journey with Micheal though this book. I experienced his grief and anger and his decline as he becomes solely fixated on the murder of a politician. To read how Micheal rationalises his thought process and how he squares away with himself that was he is doing is morally right was actually terrifying.
I personally felt like the ending came a little abruptly and I’m still left with so many questions which in some books works fine but for me I really felt like with this particular book I needed the answers to what happens next and how things conclude.
I’m rather baffled by this book as there are a lot of things I liked about it but I don’t feel like it’s finished. I read to the end so that’s got to say something that it kept my interest enough to want to finish but I feel a little deflated. Despite this, I would still recommend this book even if it’s for Micheal’s character alone as he really is like no other character I have read about.
October 30, 2019
It's not fair of the reader to judge a book for it's failure to match their high hopes but, I think it's a little fair if the writer contributes in the building of the reader's expectations. Anthony Good writes well, he builds a sharp, bullet-proof narrative but the outcome of all his efforts was quite disappointing. Now, if you've read the book yourself, you might tell me that was the whole point of it. And it may very well be but, I think ending the book with your reader feeling disappointed is a risk that is not without consequence.
Kill Redacted is written like a journal, it can end whenever the journalist feels compelled to end it. No reason is owed to the reader. It's guided by the journalist's memory and their whims and wherever their thoughts lead. Michael, a former headmaster, is the narrator and journalist. He writes, often distractedly, and on the whole a little arrogantly - fully aware that he guides the story, and is the puppeteer in how it’s told and when. The reader is privy to his thoughts, those that aren't written as well, and we follow his lengthy journey, battling reason against conscience and morality, until its ultimate outcome. Once we reach that, it is the end. Too quick in contrast to what came before, abrupt. When the pages were beginning to tick down, I felt sure that Michael's ideal ending would not have come to fruition. Indeed, I think that would have been the more interesting story: the mastermind forced to relinquish his calm and quiet madness and, all illusion of, control.
The characters and writing was solid, and so I'm inclined to recommend the book. It was certainly a fascinating portrayal into the mind of the ordinary man conspiring to do something catastrophic and so seemingly contrary to his character. In these fraught political times, I do recommend this read.
I received this book from the publishers, for review consideration. All opinions are honest aand completely my own.
Kill Redacted is written like a journal, it can end whenever the journalist feels compelled to end it. No reason is owed to the reader. It's guided by the journalist's memory and their whims and wherever their thoughts lead. Michael, a former headmaster, is the narrator and journalist. He writes, often distractedly, and on the whole a little arrogantly - fully aware that he guides the story, and is the puppeteer in how it’s told and when. The reader is privy to his thoughts, those that aren't written as well, and we follow his lengthy journey, battling reason against conscience and morality, until its ultimate outcome. Once we reach that, it is the end. Too quick in contrast to what came before, abrupt. When the pages were beginning to tick down, I felt sure that Michael's ideal ending would not have come to fruition. Indeed, I think that would have been the more interesting story: the mastermind forced to relinquish his calm and quiet madness and, all illusion of, control.
The characters and writing was solid, and so I'm inclined to recommend the book. It was certainly a fascinating portrayal into the mind of the ordinary man conspiring to do something catastrophic and so seemingly contrary to his character. In these fraught political times, I do recommend this read.
I received this book from the publishers, for review consideration. All opinions are honest aand completely my own.
March 9, 2019
This debut is so unique and like nothing I have read before! The book is in the style of a diary/journal and with no dates or page numbers takes a little getting used to. It is written from the perspective of Michael who lost his wife following a terrorist attack on a London train. Many years later he still cannot come to terms with his grief and believes that rather than the bombers themselves being to blame a politician, whose name is redacted throughout, is the one responsible and must pay the ultimate price. Within the pages we see Michael delve deep into his life and explore his innermost thoughts which are often brought to the surface as a result of the therapy he is receiving. Only one thing will be enough for Michael however; to plan the politician's murder!
I liked the fast paced nature and how the narrative slipped back and forth allowing me to learn about Michael's history including his job as a head teacher, his friendships following losing his wife (in particular with a former pupil named Paul) and his relationship with his daughter Amy. It provided a fascinating insight in to his thought processes and how he wishes he had reacted or done things differently both as a father and during his time as a head teacher. Moreover, it is an outlet for him to rationalise why he thinks the way he does about who is responsible for taking away his wife's life.
At times I could find myself sympathising with Michael and it almost felt like I was reading an autobiography. However, with a twist toward the end that I didn't see coming I really started to evaluate my previous thoughts about Michael. The ending itself in particular, although very clever I feel is open to interpretation and has left me wanting to know a lot more.
I would definitely recommend this unique and unusual read though, even with the questions that I now wish I had answers to!
I liked the fast paced nature and how the narrative slipped back and forth allowing me to learn about Michael's history including his job as a head teacher, his friendships following losing his wife (in particular with a former pupil named Paul) and his relationship with his daughter Amy. It provided a fascinating insight in to his thought processes and how he wishes he had reacted or done things differently both as a father and during his time as a head teacher. Moreover, it is an outlet for him to rationalise why he thinks the way he does about who is responsible for taking away his wife's life.
At times I could find myself sympathising with Michael and it almost felt like I was reading an autobiography. However, with a twist toward the end that I didn't see coming I really started to evaluate my previous thoughts about Michael. The ending itself in particular, although very clever I feel is open to interpretation and has left me wanting to know a lot more.
I would definitely recommend this unique and unusual read though, even with the questions that I now wish I had answers to!
April 18, 2020
This book had so much potential.
It was such a great concept presented in a world in which we are told that terrorists are able to touch any of us or any of our loved ones at any time.
So we are delivered a story of the average man in the street, suffering intolerable mental torture as a result of a terrorist atrocity touching his family and friends.
It guides us through his philosophy as a teacher before the event, his relationships prior to the event and the relationship he has with his family, friends and therapist after the event.
Sadly it has failed in my eyes for the principle reason that the main character was such a mixed bag that it’s difficult to have any empathy for him.
One of the first rules in writing is to make the reader develop a relationship of understanding & care for the principle character. With a plot like this it should have been easy but somehow the author manages to blow it.
Secondly the ending seems rushed after hundreds of pages setting the scene.
Finally, when the ending does come it seems a little unsatisfactory as endings pan out.
There are some positive aspects of the book... the structure is fresh, the source of motivation for the principle is well established and tenable, the pace that the plot moves at and the manner in which the main character attempts to achieve his ultimate aim is perfect... right up to near the point of conclusion.
I have an appreciation for how gifted the author is. There is no doubt that as a debut novel he has a bright future but I ended up finding it just a little too much of a chore rather than a pleasure to get through.
Still worthy of three stars.
It was such a great concept presented in a world in which we are told that terrorists are able to touch any of us or any of our loved ones at any time.
So we are delivered a story of the average man in the street, suffering intolerable mental torture as a result of a terrorist atrocity touching his family and friends.
It guides us through his philosophy as a teacher before the event, his relationships prior to the event and the relationship he has with his family, friends and therapist after the event.
Sadly it has failed in my eyes for the principle reason that the main character was such a mixed bag that it’s difficult to have any empathy for him.
One of the first rules in writing is to make the reader develop a relationship of understanding & care for the principle character. With a plot like this it should have been easy but somehow the author manages to blow it.
Secondly the ending seems rushed after hundreds of pages setting the scene.
Finally, when the ending does come it seems a little unsatisfactory as endings pan out.
There are some positive aspects of the book... the structure is fresh, the source of motivation for the principle is well established and tenable, the pace that the plot moves at and the manner in which the main character attempts to achieve his ultimate aim is perfect... right up to near the point of conclusion.
I have an appreciation for how gifted the author is. There is no doubt that as a debut novel he has a bright future but I ended up finding it just a little too much of a chore rather than a pleasure to get through.
Still worthy of three stars.
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