The Devil in Silver
This is a well written and amazing book. It has the undertones of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest", but instead of dealing with Nurse Ratchett, there's a monster in Ward 4 as the main protagonist, Pepper would say. There are many twists and turns in this story, and I couldn't put the book down. I enjoyed reading it. I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a good mystery thriller.
Rated of 5
by Kathleen W. (Appleton, WI)
The Devil In Silver
I simply cannot stop thinking about the characters in this book. I can't say that I enjoyed The Devil in Silver because it is so disturbing, but it is very well written and definitely worth reading. I kept reminding myself that this is fiction, this is fiction, but am haunted by the thought that it might actually be based on reality.
Rated of 5
by Bob S. (Lawrenceburg, IN)
multiple genre
If you want to connect gentle humor with biting satire, wonderful insight into human character with a psychological thriller, then Victor LaValle's "The Devil in Silver" is your book. Even through the scenes of Gothic horror runs a affirmation of the goodness of human nature when we are free and able to make choice in the most difficult places--as Frankl points out, our lives have meaning as we give them meaning. Wonderful plot writing, fascinating characters, and the wacky bunch that make up this worthy successor to "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." Here you'll find the joy, despair, and hope of those in mental hospitals, but without the dark pessimism that pervades so much of the literature.
Rated of 5
by Beverly J. (Huntersville, NC)
Will the Real Devil Stand Up
For a novel labeled as literary horror is was an absorbing yet strangely tender read raising questions through the wit, humor and dignity of the fascinating characters. The author gives voices to an invisible often misunderstood population. How Pepper became a resident in a psychiatric ward is totally believable and scary as who does not have some behavior in our pasts that could not be interpreted as a sign of mental illness. During his first night, Pepper is attacked by a hideous creature whose presence seems normal to both staff and patients. But, as Pepper is schooled on the protocols by the other residents – learning the creature is ‘the devil behind the silver door” is the visible demon as the more deadly demons are often the ones within the mind. Challenged by their restricted environment – the residents dig deep within themselves to slay the devil. It is the touching resident’s stories that will linger long after the last page.
Rated of 5
by Shelby L. (Hamden, CT)
A page turner
I couldn't put this book down. It's a quick read, entertaining, funny and so sad. The characters are well developed and you'll sympathize with the situation they are in as patients in a state run mental institution. They suffer deprivation, discrimination, abuse, everything that has been exposed in these institutions you've read about before....and they are tormented by "the Devil" behind the silver door. No one will hear their fears and complaints and they plot to take matters into their own hands. You'll laugh out loud and cry for these prisoners of "they system"
Rated of 5
by Barbara K. (Brooklyn, NY)
Reach out and say "hello"
Although this tale is beautifully written, infused with humor and rich descriptions, I found the story a little difficult to follow at times; I wasn't sure where it was going. However, the beautiful use of language made this a worthwhile read. It was sad to read about the lack of concern 'the system' has for certain 'throw-away' people, subduing them , but making no attempt to better their lives. In the end however, we get to see that even if it takes great courage, trying to reach out to others to help free them from their misery with a smile and a "hello" can brighten a person's life and change his world for the better.
Rated of 5
by Bess W. (Marlton, NJ)
The Devil in Silver
I wasn't sure how I would enjoy a "horror" story, but this is not a typical horror story--and I did enjoy it! The horror is the public mental institution. The characters are great, individually and also their relationships with each other and they will keep you reading.
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by Daniel A. (Naugatuck, CT)
of 5
by Shelby L. (Hamden, CT)
