A Choir of Ill Children : Book Review

Tom Piccirilli's "A Choir of Ill Children" is a dark and atmospheric novel that takes place in the small southern town of Kingdom Come. The story revolves around the lives of the Witcher brothers, who are born with peculiar deformities and possess strange abilities. This eerie and gothic tale seamlessly blends mystery, horror, and elements of Southern Gothic literature to create a haunting and mesmerizing narrative.

At its core, the book delves into themes of isolation, family, and the quest for identity. The Witcher brothers, being outcasts in the eyes of the townspeople, find solace in their twisted reality. As they navigate their unique lives, the secrets of their family and the town slowly unravel. Piccirilli's writing effectively captures the essence of Southern Gothic, immersing readers in a world that is both haunting and captivating.

One of the novel's strengths lies in Piccirilli's vivid and evocative descriptions of Kingdom Come and its inhabitants. The atmosphere is laden with tension and a sense of impending doom, providing a chilling backdrop for the unfolding events. The author's poetic and lyrical prose further contributes to the overall haunting tone of the story.

Moreover, the characterization in "A Choir of Ill Children" is exceptional. Each of the Witcher brothers is distinct and fully fleshed-out, with their own quirks and complexities. The depiction of their relationships, both among themselves and with the other residents of Kingdom Come, is nuanced and realistic. This allows readers to become emotionally invested in their struggles and triumphs.

In conclusion, "A Choir of Ill Children" is a mesmerizing and atmospheric read. Tom Piccirilli skillfully combines elements of mystery, horror, and Southern Gothic to craft a haunting and thought-provoking novel. With its richly developed characters and eerie setting, this book is bound to captivate fans of the genre and leave a lasting impression.

What are readers saying?

The book "A Choir of Ill Children" by Tom Piccirilli has garnered a range of reviews, with some readers finding it intriguing and captivating, while others struggled to engage with the story and characters.

A number of reviewers praised the unique and atmospheric setting created by Piccirilli. They commended his ability to craft a dark and eerie world that was both unsettling and captivating. The Southern Gothic elements in particular received accolades, with many enjoying the vivid descriptions of the small town and its inhabitants.

However, some readers found it challenging to connect with the characters in the book, deeming them one-dimensional and lacking depth. Additionally, there were criticisms regarding the pacing of the story, with some feeling that it lagged and dragged in certain sections. As a result, these readers expressed feeling disconnected from the narrative and struggled to fully engage with the plot.

Despite these critiques, many reviewers appreciated Piccirilli's writing style, describing it as poetic and lyrical. They admired his ability to evoke strong emotions and create vivid imagery through his words. The book's unique narrative voice, which alternated between the present and the past, was also praised for adding depth and complexity to the story.

Another point of contention among reviewers was the plot itself. Some felt that the book lacked a cohesive storyline, with various subplots and characters introduced without clear resolution. This created a somewhat disjointed reading experience for these individuals.

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