Brent Butt's "HUGE" is an entrancing dark psychological thriller, masterfully guiding its readers through a twisted dive into its characters' histories.
Set against the backdrop of 1994, the novel introduces us to three stand-up comedians, each distinct in their origins and aspirations, navigating a tour across Canada's remote countryside.
Dale represents the seasoned comic, hovering on the brink of retiring from a somewhat lackluster career. Motivated by a pressing need to fund his daughter's education, he's pulled back into the world of stand-up.
Rynn, on the other hand, is a young rising sensation from Dublin, standing on the cusp of a Hollywood dream. Faced with a devastating loss, she courageously chooses to continue pursuing her passion.
However, it's the character of Hobie that sends chills down our spines. A local act roped in to open the shows and handle driving, Hobie's massive frame belies his lack of comedic chops. His eeriness isn't limited to just his humor; as the story unfolds, we learn of his other more sinister "talents".
It's only when Dale and Rynn confront the chilling reality of Hobie's nature that the story escalates to a frenetic pace, with their focus shifting from eliciting laughs to survival.
Butt doesn't just serve us a nail-biting thriller; he paints an evocative picture of the life of comedians. "HUGE" offers readers a gritty glimpse into the raw challenges comedians face, adapting to often treacherous settings, all in a bid to share their gift of laughter.
But amid the story's spine-tingling suspense and bleakness, Butt carves out an essential message: even in our darkest hours, there lies an opportunity to rediscover and reshape ourselves.
Beyond being just a thriller, "HUGE" stands as a testament to the power of experiences, both good and bad, in molding our essence.
Brent Butt's foray into this genre is nothing short of a revelation. He fearlessly leaps into uncharted waters, unveiling a facet of his creativity that, while possibly disturbing to some, is indisputably awe-inspiring. Through "HUGE", Butt solidifies his reputation as a diverse talent, delivering a narrative prowess that's as compelling as it is haunting.
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