Matt McAvoy Book Review

There’s something a little bit different about this entertaining, light-hearted book, in that it is so talky and arty, almost to the point of bohemian, that it is perhaps most accurately described as literary fiction with a subplot – if there can be such a thing.  For the most part, it is about an ageing former band-member who gets in touch with old acquaintances, and starts to think about forming a new band and launching old material, in what might be considered something of a midlife crisis.  The long dialogues which accompany this journey, primarily about music and film, are so profoundly discoursed that Quentin Tarantino would sit up and pay attention, the characters particular aficionados in movies of even the most trashy of genres – at points you might expect them to start speaking French and light up a cigarette.  Therein lies the literary element of the book.

But then the book’s genre is well and truly bent out of shape by the inclusion of a ruthless, brutal killer out on a mission of vengeance against our utterly unaware protagonist, running parallel to the main storyline.  It is not an unwelcome divergence; indeed, why not mix up expectations?  It was an intriguing plotline to watch developing, even if at times I did ask myself: what actual relevance has this subplot to the rest of the book?  The killer is utterly unrelated in any way to events, as is his arc and overall quest.  It feels rather that there are simply two different strands running alongside each other, which intersect momentarily when the time comes.  Don’t get me wrong; I’m not complaining.  Indeed, life is strange, and unexpected, unexplained events happen for no more than some deranged perceived adversity.  It is interesting to read, ultimately, though actually tricky to discern on which hand this book is at its best, when following the artistic discourse or the psycho killer.  That said, if you are looking for a book which falls firmly on either side of this genre divide, you’ll probably be disappointed; I think it’s fair to say that Andrae’s book is firmly aimed at the rest of us – those who are happy to mix in a little bit of both.

I did enjoy reading Rem’s Chance, even if I wasn’t entirely certain why.  It just felt cosy, with enough suspense dangling like a carrot to keep you moving along.  It is not coy in any way, nor brash; it simply, confidently is, and that’s always inspirational to read.  I know Andrae can write well, pleasant and engaging, having read his work previously, and this is more of the same: intelligent writing for a more discerning, intellectual reader.