Review: Complex and Compelling Novel with a Memorable Protagonist
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 10 24, 2013
"Pale Criminal" is a lyrical book with philosophy at its heart; its themes are intellectual but not dry, and in Joseph (Joel) Gasteneau you have a vividly real character who will remain with you long after you've read the last page.Joel, described early on as unbreakable and cast with images if strength and stone, runs away from home after his mother's death and after being severely, almost fatally beaten by his father. He spends his formative years wandering, both on his own and under the structure of the Green Berets, and forms few attachments, choosing instead to look inward. It's only after he's in a car accident and falls ill to a terrible brain fever that he's truly forced into his own head--and what he finds there horrifies him so much that he begins a journey of discovery about his family, himself, and God (or the lack of).Joel's journey is both literal and metaphorical, taking him from deep in mine shafts to the top of mountains, and through it all he has deep conversations with those he meets and with himself--those who have been and who come into his life are connected in ways that I as a reader didn't expect, but which kept me turning the pages. The book studies the best of what human nature can bring us--high intellectual discourse, philosophy as a life-changing, truth-bringing religion--and the worst--rape, violence, and murder. Many of the scenes invoke visceral reactions, especially since Harvey has a deft way with description that bring scenes to life. I would recommend "Pale Criminal" to readers who like to be challenged and entertained, readers who enjoy philosophy, and readers who enjoy works where characters undergo spiritual journeys.