max's review
Sharp Teeth
by Toby Barlow
An excellent review. You are a really good writer.
Cme
max's review
Sharp Teeth by Toby Barlow
max's review
rating:
bookshelves:
library
recommended for: folks who like graphic novels
Judging by Toby Barlow's popular debut novel set in Los Angeles and crafted in free verse, the occupation of advertising executive is reasonable preparation for writing long poetry, and probably not a handicap in publishing the results. Our ad man first pressed his epic in the UK, where he built enough buzz to overcome us verse-averse Yanks. Equipped with quip-length lines and slogan-strength strophes, Barlow furiously tears down the page with more elan than poise, but this is perhaps befitting his subject: Werewolves, specifically were-housedogs.
While Barlow could have had plenty to feast on in the realm of satire (I was hoping for rabid poodles devouring the head of Cesar Milan), he sticks exclusively to action movie dialogue and exposition, wielding stock characters like the bumbling police detective, the honorable and unwitting boyfriend, the slick Mafiosos, and the bewildered yuppies. The plot involving rival dog packs almost makes sense at certain junctures but Barlow must cont...more
While Barlow could have had plenty to feast on in the realm of satire (I was hoping for rabid poodles devouring the head of Cesar Milan), he sticks exclusively to action movie dialogue and exposition, wielding stock characters like the bumbling police detective, the honorable and unwitting boyfriend, the slick Mafiosos, and the bewildered yuppies. The plot involving rival dog packs almost makes sense at certain junctures but Barlow must cont...more
An excellent review. You are a really good writer.
Cme
