A newly appointed apostle makes an unusual entrance into the life of a remote community of Gibbeah. He is led by a strong desire to bring changes to the people living a sinful life. He has the tongue of cutlass ready to call out and “cut out” the shortcomings and sins of everyone. More than that, his words are so captivating that he convinces an entire community to eradicate any demonic behaviors by all means necessary. However, two people are impermeable to his words; the alcoholic preacher he replaces, known as the rhum preacher, and a widow, who has lost faith in God.

John Crow’s Devil swallows you in the story. The thing is while reading you may get trapped in its swamp of horrific situations just like I did. I needed to put the book down so many time. Well, let’s say in short that it is a trauma-filled-book. I am currently struggling to write a review because all I think is trauma, trauma and more trauma. I have the impression that each page describes an horrendous scene. I am not fond of stories in which most characters experience rape, abuse of all kinds, torture and are never given a break. I understand that this is the foundation for the storyline to work in John Crow’s Devil. However, I read things that made me want to throw up. I described some of the stuff to my dad over the phone (mind you, I am in my 30ies) and he was even disturbed by it to the point of suggesting that I not read this book before bed. I can handle some good horror books. However, when it comes to reading long passages on the rape of a child etc my heart cannot handle it. John Crow’s Devil is intriguing and can be fast-paced. Not so much though when you read vivid descriptions of horror you know happened in real life. The writing is fantastic because every single character has their own distinct and strong voice. The voice of the apostle is so fascinating that it convinces you, along with the community about the righteousness of his fanatic approach to what it is to be a real Christian and his interpretation of the bible at times. I understand why this book was praised internationally by many, but let’s be honest, after I read this, I had to watch funny and heartfelt movies and shows to regain hope in humanity. I am too sensitive for this type of book, I guess. Fantastic work, just not for me.

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