The Boy who could see Demons is Carolyn Jess-Cooke’s second novel and a very impressive one at that. In the vein of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, it’s a clever and enchanting novel for anyone who understands the importance of needing a friend.
The book looks beautiful on the outside with an extraordinary cover design by Anna Morrison.
A normal boy walking hand-in-hand with his demon friend (illustrated as another boy with a devil’s tail), a dog named ‘Woof’, onions on toast and other such things that gives a hint about the story even before one gets to it.
Written in the first-person perspective of two people, it tells the story of Alex Broccoli, a ten year old boy who claims he can see demons and that his best friend is a demon named Ruen. Coincidentally, Ruen is the only friend he’s ever had. While quite a few of us did have an imaginary friend during our childhood, Alex’s experience of having one is quite different. The story is set in North Ireland. The protagonist lives in a rancid home with a suicidal mother whose actions force him into the care of an adolescent psychiatry consultant– Anya Molokova, who is an intriguing character. As the story progresses, we get to know more of her past and the demons that she battles. Questions need to be answered as pages turn quickly: Is Alex’s condition a cruel trick of his mind? Or do demons really exist? The reality, as it turns out, is more terrifying.
Carolyn has written a brilliant novel of suspense that delves into the recesses of the human mind and soul and has portrayed Alex in a way that makes it a delight to read his story. Alex’s character is so pure, so innocent. The deadpan style of narration suits the flow. The author has to be given credit for the multifaceted characters that she has created – they are something different (pun unintended).
In the best storytelling tradition, reading this book leaves the reader changed.It was like taking a refreshing break from the many novels I have read off late. This is a novel that deserves to be read more than once. Maybe you’d discover something new every time you do; something that would bring a smile to your face and contentment in your heart.
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Author:Carolyn Jess-Cooke | Pages: 384| Format: Paperback |Published by: Pikatus
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