The Ecstatic

*2.5 stars

“She was in college, a time of optimistic fascism when it seems that all the world needs is one more rally.”

Strange tale about a young man who is suffering from an undiagnosed mental illness. Many surreal and absurd incidents that happen in the otherwise realistic book make the reader wonder what is real and what is happening in Anthony's mind.

The main character is funny, intelligent, and sympathetic but sometimes repulsive. I rooted for him to get his life together, however unlikely this seemed. He does a lot of bizarre, cringe-worthy things. Yet, I found myself taking his side against his three equally crazy female relatives that he has to live with. These ladies put pressure on him to change his ways and could be put into the triple goddess archetype of “Mother, virgin, and crone.” Since I know LaValle as a fantasy/horror writer who doesn't miss a trick I'm sure this was intentional.

The end is left somewhat unresolved but this works fine. I can't imagine what kind of neat and tidy wrap-up would have worked here. Certainly, I cannot imagine that Anthony was going to seek any kind of help. It's just not that kind of story. This was a unique, clever, sad, and fantastic story that was worth reading.