I am incredibly disappointed that I didn't write Planet Purgatory. Benedict Martin, I bow to you. Your novel is both engrossing and engaging. The characters are well developed and the plot went from an old, over-used topic to a dramatic tale featuring horrific creatures, imps named Flea and an imposing, faithful dog named Rosie. It also included a very weird interaction between David's mother and his brother, Sam. I am still reaching for understanding there.
I will put my envy aside for a moment to let other readers know that this could have been placed in the world after the apocalypse, but fit perfectly in his strategy to make this Purgatory. The main character, David, is very unhappy and spends an awful lot of his time growing and drinking chikka. He also befriends whales that appear at his feet when he checks his beet fields. All in all, the imagination used to produce this book infuriates me. It is just that good.I am incredibly disappointed that I didn't write Planet Purgatory. Benedict Martin, I bow to you. Your novel is both engrossing and engaging. The characters are well developed and the plot went from an old, over-used topic to a dramatic tale featuring horrific creatures, imps named Flea and an imposing, faithful dog named Rosie. It also included a very weird interaction between David's mother and his brother, Sam. I am still reaching for understanding there.
I will put my envy aside for a moment to let other readers know that this could have been placed in the world after the apocalypse, but fit perfectly in his strategy to make this Purgatory. The main character, David, was very unhappy and spent an awful lot of his time growing and drinking chikka. He also befriended whales that appeared at his feet when he checked his chikka-making beet fields.
Suddelny a man and his monster took over David's town and he had to leave to seek the SYS building where he thought he would find either help or more artillery. On the way, terrible things occured that affected Rosie, but since this was Purgatory, you never knew what was going to happen. During this quest, David seemed to like shooting people in the face way too much, but he was determined to reach his goal. His town and family were at risk.
All in all, the imagination used to produce this book infuriates me. It is just that good.
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Reviews with images
being the best farmer and the best distiller of chikka
Reading Benedict Martin’s Planet Purgatory is, from the very beginning, a literary tsunami. The plot, the characters, and the execution of the story are striking. Martin builds an earth alternative this is unique and magical. However, this is not a fairy tale; the humans in this story are very human, flaws and all. Putting garden variety humans in a bizarre and monster-filled setting is simply fascinating.David Eno is farmer on a planet where human life is constantly at risk. Along with humans, the planet is populated with variety of aliens and mythical creatures that exist on earth. Some of these non-humans are dangerous to humans, attacking them or removing their souls, leaving them as empty husks. David seems to occupy a special place in the small band of humans; he has been given a gun by SYS, the strange administrative body that seem to serve as a “government” on this strange planet; a privilege no other human has. David has also developed an almost mystical connection to the planet, being the best farmer and the best distiller of chikka, a beet based alcoholic beverage that is prized by the inhabitants of the planet and is somehow connected to the planet’s existence.After an especially horrific alien attack David decides to find the SYS central office and ask for more guns to defend his small human settlement. His quest becomes a labyrinthine trek, full of odd creatures and danger and violence. Martin’s fertile imagination makes this quest an amazing ride. Though this book doesn’t fit perfectly into any niche market it stands as a page-turner on its own merits.Adding to the appeal of this book is a spiritual element that is subtle yet pleasing; the use of the word “Purgatory” in the title is significant. Mr. Martin also manages to poke fun at bureaucracies in his handling of SYS. All in all this is one of the best books I have ever read. Though it leans toward the science-fiction fantasy category, it will be a good read for anyone due to its eclectic themes. I would recommend this book to anyone. I look forward to reading Benedict Martin’s next book.
Top reviews from other countries
Chris Chelser
Deliciously weird and pleasantly accessible
Reviewed in the Netherlands on November 15, 2015
Peaceseeker
When your demons follow you beyond the grave
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 23, 2015