The Devil in Silver
Difficult for me to properly review as I am not one who likes books involving mental hospitals. I do think those who like such will enjoy this book as it is well written and has a novel twist to the subject matter.
Rated of 5
by Shaun (Woodridge, IL)
The Devil in Silver
The tag-line for this book reads "New Hyde Hospital's psychiatric ward has a new resident. It also has a very very old one." Sounds intriguing, right? It's not and neither is anything in this book. I don't think it would spoil the yawn of an ending to say that there isn't in fact anything supernatural going on at New Hyde. And the 'scary' resident referred to in the tag line isnt "very very" old - he's just old. And not in a suspenseful kind of way - more like in a (hold tight now) crazy-guy-in-a-mental-hospital-who-is-more-crazy-than-scary. The story plods and the least interesting character is unfortunately the main one. A man who insists on being called Pepper "because he's spicy". Huh? It's downhill from there. Some, and only some, of the other residents are interesting and it's detrimental to the story that the least amount of time is spent with them. The most is spent with our hero Pepper who is one of the dullest protagonists I've ever encountered. The story is way longer than it needs to be. The book felt like what could've been a serviceable short story stretched out a few hundred pages too long. Not much happens at New Hyde so in that respect the story would also have worked if it had been more character-driven. But instead you only get a few snippets of the truly interesting patients and far too much of Pepper.
Rated of 5
by Theresa R. (Sierra Madre, CA)
Started strong, finished slowly
When I started reading this book, I got right into it and was excited to read it. I liked some of the characters and was interested to find out what was going to happen. However, about halfway through the book, I almost didn't care anymore. I made myself finish the book to see what "The Devil in Silver" was and was not impressed! Overall, this book was just ok.
Rated of 5
by Christie K. (Hobbs, New Mexico)
The Devil in Silver
I must admit I didn't care for this book. The storyline seemed compelling at first, but over time, I got lost in the stereotypical behaviors of some of the characters, and in the way the book was written. I haven't read anything else Lavalle has done, but it seems, being a writer myself, he submitted an unfinished draft and had it published. Too many cheeky lines, exclamation points, and cliches that got in the way of the story. And, while it reminded me of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, I think it was modeled TOO much after it to be really interesting. I kept thinking of the movie instead of focusing on the plot. This book was disappointing to me. On a good note, I think the idea of the story was awesome.
Rated of 5
by Kelly H. (Martinsville, IN)
The Devil In Silver
Hmmm...I think this book could have been called The Daily Lives of Patients at New Hyde. I kept turning the pages excited for the big takedown of the Devil, and nothing happened. And then, I kept turning the pages excited for the next big thing to happen, and...nothing much did. It was entertaining at times, and more kooky than creepy and yucky. I was happy for that, not being a fan of mental hospital imagery. Who is, right? I don't think I'll pass this one on to my friends.
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of 5
by Elaine G. (West Lafayette, IN)
of 5
by Christie K. (Hobbs, New Mexico)
