Reviewed by Kate
Retribution
Reviewed by Kate Retribution
Retribution is an edgy exploration of justice, (or lack thereof) revenge, and one man's experience of both through the actions of an old friend. The narrating character encounters Levi (a nice biblical name for someone who carries out the eye for an eye scenario) after a number of years, during which time Levi's wife and child died at the hands of a sadistic killer, and hears the story of the subsequent events.
This story has a unique premise, and the best section is undoubtedly where Levi tells his tale. There is an unflinching eye turned on the whole scene, and the author is to be commended for not allowing the piece to become sensational. I wonder, though, why the author chose to filter the work by telling it from the perspective of someone only very peripherally involved. The moral scruples would be more relevant coming from Levi, rather than his friend. And some of the discussion of justice has a slightly didactic tone, and could probably be cut without harming the story.
The writing is clean and clear, and I think the author would be quite equal to the task of writing this powerful story without so many trappings, and letting it speak for itself. I recommend reading it, regardless, for the ideas and the imagination.
Reviewed by © Kate
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