Book Review: Burly by Paul Drewitt
In “Burly,” the narrative revolves around Jackson, a teenage offender recently released from Juvenile Detention after setting fire to a local church, and his grandfather Sammy, who assumes the role of a father figure.
One commendable aspect of Paul Drewitt’s work is his adept use of slang in writing. His distinctive style and mastery of this genre suggest a potential as an instructor in a writing school, guiding aspiring writers in crafting narratives with a similar flair. Drewitt’s proficiency in word manipulation truly makes him a word mechanic, and his writing methodology undeniably exudes a burly quality.
Despite my appreciation for this author’s writing prowess, I found the book itself lacking. The primary source of dissatisfaction stemmed from the confusion surrounding the narrative focus between Sammy and Jackson. Initially implying Jackson as the central figure, the story abruptly shifted its emphasis to Sammy, almost treating Jackson’s role as a fleeting memory lane excursion.
Unfortunately, this redirection overshadowed the protagonist’s plot and left the author entangled in a narrative web from which he struggled to extricate himself. The book lacked any captivating elements, be it in the introduction, body, or conclusion. Simply put, it lacked climaxes, thrills, and entertainment value.
Consequently, I assign a two out of four-star rating to the author. While acknowledging his commendable writing style and vocabulary, the overall reading experience was arduous. The majority of my time was spent deciphering the storyline’s direction and questioning the purpose behind the book’s creation.
The failure to provide a cohesive conclusion when returning to Sammy and Jackson further contributed to my dissatisfaction. The ending felt rushed and incomplete, leaving me uncertain about its tone and significance, as if crucial pieces were missing to connect the narrative links.
From a technical standpoint, the book shines in terms of professional editing, exhibiting excellence in grammar, spelling, word usage, construction, style, and minimal typos. Despite my personal distaste for the book, I acknowledge the subjective nature of preferences and believe that what may be a subpar read for one could be enjoyable for another. Hence, I cautiously recommend “Burly” to readers, recognizing the diversity in literary tastes.
