What do readers think of Beirut Hellfire Society by Rawi Hage? Write your own review.

I found this to be a struggle to read. Perhaps I am simply thick-headed, as found nearly nothing of note to positively rave about. This was a painful journey of reading, and I only finished it because I appreciate being given the chance to read it and enjoy it. I am, however, interested to learn what others liked about it. For me it seemed that the author used graphic scenes just because he could; for they provided no substance for this reader/reviewer.

My soul has been bludgeoned by the blunt force of a word hammer. Beirut Hellfire Society takes on all that is wrong with religion, gender bias, class, culture, vices, mental health, and more. It's a virtual spewing of ugliness, hate, and madness taken to the point of death over and over. Every time there is hope it gets ground up and spit out in long, rambling sentences resembling the conversation of the drunk on the stool next to you who keeps leaning in with his sad alcohol-sweet breath, sad eyes and soft hands ... and won't stop touching your knee, in a dive bar, at 4am.

There is no grace in the characters and absolutely no point of reference for empathy to smooth the rough pages. Beirut Hellfire Society is depressing in its insane self-righteous attempt to wax philosophical as an excuse for perpetuating never ending hell on a street in war torn Beirut watched by a crazy man in a half empty house and dominated by a cemetery. Not even the dogs survive. I need a shower.