Simply superb. It's hard to find books that are better than this one.
There has been a veritable bumper crop of excellent novels this year, and I've just added The Devil in Silver to my favorites list. Set inside a New York hospital's psychiatric unit, this novel is anything but the book of "literary horror" it's being touted as. While there is a "Devil" involved, and there are other real-life horrors to be found, the focus is more on the newest inmate, a man named Pepper -- whose only familiarity with mental institutions before his admission is One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest -- and a lively cast of characters who also populate the unit. It's also a novel about the importance of being able to understand other people's points of view, appreciating others for who they really are, and so much more.
I absolutely loved this book. It's a mix of dark humor that made me laugh (including some pop-culture refs that fit in perfectly) and satire that is spot on the money. At the same time, there are some incredible discoveries made by the characters in this book that made me step back and take a look at myself as well. The writing, as with all of Victor LaValle's novels, is excellent and to use that old cliche, it's a novel that will haunt you long after you've put it down. But what truly stands out here are the people in this book, "bonkers and beautiful" all at the same time. I really can't do justice to this novel here, but I can recommend it without any reservations. It is simply stunning, for a multitude of reasons I'd need pages to express; it's also one you have to experience for yourself.
Rated of 5
by Trezeline B. (Columbia, MD)
The Devil in Silver
A very interesting character study of a working class white man from Queens, NY. Is he mentally Ill? You decide. The workings of Public Mental Institutions are also explored. Every character in the story is very well developed. You become very involved in their lives and learn a great deal. A really good read.
Rated of 5
by Mary R. (San Jose, CA)
Madness, Mayhem and True Friendship
The Devil in Silver by Victor Lavalle is a fantastic book. This is a book that will grab you from the first page and won’t let you go until the end and then it will haunt you for days. It is not a scary book in the horror sense, but a book about love and friendship and slaying your own demons – real and imagined. The meaning of the title will surprise you and the embedded symbolism makes this book a real pleasure to read and decode. It is not a reboot of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, but just as compelling.
Rated of 5
by Gail G. (Northbrook, Illinois)
The Devil in Silver by Victor Lavalle
It was love at first page for me. The characters are engaging and well fleshed out. It was easy to know them even if they were not "normal;" but what is a realistic definition of "normal"? Everyone has an area where they may seem a little "off"--and that is normal!
The author points out how very frustrating the way in which certain "public officials" and companies in responsible positions often function poorly in the reality of a situation by short-changing procedures necessary for the good of patients. Greed and need to control influences their decisions often to the detriment of the patients in mental institutions as well as other similar institutions for example immigration judgement decisions.
Although Pepper's (novel's main character) stay at Northwest was most unpleasant and even though he really didn't belong there he under-went a personality change and transformation, moving him from a juvenile thinking and acting out adult to one who became responsible and caring and one who also accepted reality for what it is.
On the last page of the book there is a sentence which summarizes what is important for humans to be and it is almost like a religious experience.
Rated of 5
by Katherine Y. (Albuquerque, NM)
Not Like Anything Else You've Read
"The Devil in Silver" is another great book by Victor LaValle, author of "Big Machine." His work is creepy and interesting and smart and weird. For readers who enjoy a book that isn't like anything else they've read - this is the author for you.
Rated of 5
by Jeanette L. (Marietta, GA)
The Devil in Silver
The story takes place in New Hyde mental hospital in Queens, NY where Pepper is taken after an altercation with undercover police even thought he does not belong there; Pepper realizes that he is now locked in a mental hospital. The first friendly face that comes to greet him is Dorry a long time patient who feels a friendly face should be the first thing anyone sees as she gives Pepper a tour of his new home. Many of the mayor players are very well developed giving us a look at the treatment of mental patients. I loved this book I had a hard time putting it down and when I did the characters remained with me.
Rated of 5
by Jane N. (Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey)
The Devil in SIlver
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I really enjoyed it ! This is not meant to be funny, but you will find yourself laughing out loud at some of the scenes. Life in an underfunded and understaffed metal hospital is not suppose to funny but sometime life is stranger than fiction and the interplay between the two works really well in this book. There is a lot to think about and discuss in this read. Enjoyable and highly readable.
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by Nancy O. (Hobe Sound, FL)
