I was intrigued while shelving by the famous halloween antagonist in a much different setting from england. My decision to check out the book was an excellent one. The bombings, explosions, death, and philosophical questioning of life itself provided a great way to pass the time now in between classes and after homework. At first, the foreign names and places were difficult to pronounce in my head, but by the end of the book they were as familiar as my own. 

Especially interesting was the author’s choice to insert himself into the novel as a character going around to obtain the information disclosed and share it. His was one of many firsthand accounts of life in a country on the brink of civil war. The increased violence preceding that final conflict was included as background noise for the big monster, the Whatsitsname. 

The first hundred pages or so were filler info to set up the rest of the novel, but they definitely paid off because it picks up and it picks up quick. The monster’s philosophy on his purpose changes dramatically in a matter of a twenty pages or so, from miracle of life to avenger of the innocent to murderer of all (with some cult action thrown in for kicks). I would recommend this book to anybody interested in some fun murders in a not-so fun city.

Review by Ryan