Not a good read in that the subject matters (copious amounts of drugs and sex, suicides pervading several characters lives) were so unrelatable to me, yet I couldn't put this book down. It was depressing but intriguing. Harshly written, reminds me of Helen garner books, or as some other reviews suggest, tsiolkos, there is nowhere to hide with these ugly characters and their troubles lives. Enjoyed it and hated it at once. 2.5 stars. Don't think I would recommend it. ‘How it Feels’ is dark, poignant and depressing. So why did I read it from cover to cover, in a single sitting? I was accompanied by an ever-present feeling of discomfort, yet I was still completely hooked to this story throughout its entire course. Cowell shows an astounding ability to bend and manipulate language in unique ways, to create mesmerizing insights and imagery. Evidence of this is randomly scattered in the novel, wound into the observations and perspectives of Neil, the protagonist. Whether this contrasts well against the raw and, at times, vulgar overall tone of the story, or is ill fitting and contradictory, will be interpreted differently by each reader. For me, even though it felt like a mix of both, these creative, quirky and artistic phrases was what made this read worthwhile. Much like in ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’, ‘How it Feels’ follows the story of an individual you gradually grow to despise whilst at the same time are obliged to sympathize with- which I found to be the most challenging aspect. The characters in this story are not cliché, however they mostly lack strong and independent personalities; some of the individual characters started to amalgamate into one as I progressed through the novel. The word ‘visceral’ has been used in some of the reviews I've read, which I could definitely relate to. The book constantly evokes strong emotion, without attaching any meaning to it. I kept hoping for the moment all the pain in Neil’s world, and all the damage he caused, to eventually wrap up into a comforting resolution which makes the entire tragedy of each of these lives seem worthwhile: that resolution never came. This novel was clearly designed to be raw, unflinching and realistic- devoid of happy endings and comfort. Some might find this refreshing, but being an idealist, I was quite disappointed: I felt like the story opened a wound without stitching it up again. I didn't enjoy this novel, but that being said, perhaps it’s not a novel that’s meant to be enjoyed. Although I was disappointed that there was a lack of inspiration to cancel out some painfully dark themes, and I didn't really connect with the characters, this is still a quality piece of work. It is absorbing, challenging, and I can almost guarantee it will be different from the last book that you read. If you’re the bold type of reader, who likes to be confronted, this is the book for you!
What do You think about How It Feels (2010)?
Not a comfortable read, but some important insight into the male psyche here.
—SummerCW
At times devastating, but so real that I found it extremely hard to put down
—Gin_Tama
