Merging with Monsters
Joseph Eugene Green
Reviewed by Barb Radmore
Ok- I admit it, this review is a long time coming. I do try to do
reviews right away but occasionally I am just stumped. This book was
one of those for me. First of all, I was not the reviewer originally
chosen to review this. The first reviewer started the book but could
not continue. After some corresponding with the author (something I
always enjoy- love talking to authors) I agreed to give it a go. Just
because a book is not one for one person never means it might not have
its niche. This is one of those books. It is controversial, it is
different and it is unique. These days those are all good traits for
literature to have. If authors can not shake up society than it is time
to get rid of the written word.. This book will not be for everyone-
that is ok.
The original reviewer was dismayed by the graphic violence in the
beginning scene of the book. It is violent but it is very relevant to
the rest of the plot. Graphic but not gratuitous. "Sistah" Anita Powers
is a hard working woman on her way to becoming a doctor until a
horrible assault and rape end all her plans. The book next picks up
with her as a rising star in the corporate world. It is there that she
must struggle again against sexism and racism. It becomes another
attack- maybe not violent but no less painful. Her story is woven in
with others within the corporation. Without going into a list of each
character the book deals with all forms of discrimination: white,
black, gay, women, men, handicapped, working parents, etc., etc., etc.
There is not an possible scenario for discrimination that Green omits
(he does not discriminate!) Through the plentiful use of italics
Green is able to show the thoughts and background of the characters to
add depth and focus to the story lines.
The book is a microcosm of the struggles in today's world, both the
corporate world and the physical world. It is a study of the
discrimination that occurs on a daily basis and the effects it has. It
deals with so many topics it is hard to imagine that Green can pack
them all into one book. But he has managed it through the deft use of
characters that each embody a different theme. The book also has drama,
suspense, and romance to hold together the story and the reader's
interest.