By Michael D. Griffiths
Shipp, Jeremy. Cursed. Raw Dog Screaming Press (October 15, 2009). USD $14.95. ISBN-13: 978-1933293875.
There has been a good deal of praise for Jeremy Shipp’s third novel Cursed. This is well-deserved, for the book is innovative and unique. The story grabs you at once and is the type of book you want to keep reading until you suddenly realize you have blasted through the whole thing.
The tale centers on a group of dysfunctional young adults who give a whole new meaning to the word ‘misfits’…or they could just be your friends. The protagonist, Nick, feels that he is suffering from a very bizarre curse. This concept is driven home and supported when he discovers that his newest, and very-exciting, friend, Cicely, is cursed as well.
Nick’s life becomes a hazy journey as he attempts to investigate the reality of their curses, while balancing the excitement he feels over discovering how wonderful Cicely is. But this new friendship has a dark cloud that only increases when they discover a third person who is suffering from a curse of her own.
Nick’s curses become more concrete and real, and go from something he could be imagining to a force that has begun to ruin his life. Then, when the trio discover that a true villain – who might be a murderer or perhaps even some type of insane serial killer – is creating these curses, things become terrifying. The situation evolves from a minor nuisance into a potentially life-threatening disaster.
Shipp’s characters are instantly likeable and his powerful villain is nerve-racking and frustrating for both his heroes and the reader. Nick wants to stop his horrid assault on their lives, but is blocked at each turn. The more the heroes fight back, the worse the situation becomes. Just as Nick is clicking with the lovely Cicely and should be having the happiest days of his life, he and his best friends, and even his family, are sinking into a world without hope.
The writing itself is flamboyant and fun. Despite the darkness of the scenario, much of the writing is light and infused with large doses of humour and fun. There is also a strong slice of suspense that continues to build throughout the tale.
There are fun details: Nick makes lists out of most things in his life. These lists are often charming and quite amusing.
Potential downsides are hurried descriptions. Places like Cicely’s apartment are detailed, but sometimes, the listing goes a little too far in these cases. Also, after an intense build-up, the ending seemed a bit rushed. Shipp has great exciting ideas, but seems to have trouble taking it home and wrapping it up in a manner that is satisfying after all the excitement and trauma the characters and reader have been through.
Overall, the book is a fine romp through the odd lives of some very-likeable characters. The reader is entertained and can’t help but hope that things will work out okay for the victims of these curses and really want to see them get their revenge on the villain that is tormenting them. Cursed is a mystery, a bizarre vision, a comedy, and even a horror story with a twist. It is well worth the money and promises to be a good read for everyone with a desire to explore this strange adventure.
Purchase Cursed through Amazon.com.