What a Way to Go: A Flawed Journey into Dark Humor
When I first picked up Bella Mackie’s "What a Way to Go," I was drawn in by the promise of a darkly humorous exploration of deaths that seem simultaneously tragic and ludicrous. Having thoroughly enjoyed her debut, "How to Kill Your Family," I hoped Mackie would deliver once again with her signature blend of wit and irreverent commentary about privilege and poor parenting decisions. I found myself chuckling and grimacing in equal measure, as is the hallmark of her writing.
Mackie’s knack for creating deeply flawed, often unsympathetic characters shines through brilliantly. The cast in "What a Way to Go"—the deceased’s family, who gather to exploit his demise—are relatable yet despicable. As they bicker over how to spin the dead man’s life story for public sympathy, we are reminded of the absurd lengths people will go to maintain appearances. The opening scene sets the tone perfectly, with a hilariously chaotic discussion that shows just how out of touch these characters are, revealing their self-absorption and conflicting interests. It begs the question of whether we can ever escape our familial legacies, however ridiculous they might be.
But let’s get something straight: this is not a book for everyone. If you can’t appreciate humor in the dark and twisted, or if you seek heroic characters worthy of your adoration, then you might want to hit the skip button. I have no qualms with unlikeable characters, and I find strength in Mackie’s portrayal of women who continuously outmaneuver their husbands. Take Olivia, the dead man’s wife, whose sarcastic observations about her husband’s public relations team’s attempts to manage their grief made me smirk more than once. Mackie crafts women who, while tethered to their traditionally defined roles, are anything but helpless.
Mackie’s writing style is a delightful mix of the sharp and the contemplative. There are moments that made me gasp with laughter, like the commentary on child labor in jewelry manufacturing: "you can get away with most things if you claim ignorance and pay the inevitable fine, for some reason child labor is still a big no-no for most people." It’s this biting wit that resonated with me; her ability to comment on serious issues while keeping the narrative light is a testament to her skill. However, the pacing drags a bit in the latter sections, causing the momentum to fizzle out before an unsatisfying conclusion.
But why three stars, you may ask? As I mentioned, a three-star rating means I generally enjoyed the experience, yet it was mired by pacing issues and an anticlimactic ending. It’s a shame because the first half sparkled with promise, but it felt like the narrative stumbled rather than gracefully bowed out.
If you enjoyed Mackie’s previous work, you’ll likely find something to appreciate in "What a Way to Go." It’s flawed, yes, but in a way that feels authentic to her style. It may not reach the dizzying heights of her debut, but Mackie continues to explore the outrageous intricacies of family dynamics, social facades, and the masquerade of wealth. So, if you’re in the mood for a book that will make you chuckle, cringe, and reflect on the absurdities of life, this one is still worth picking up. Just remember to lower your expectations for the finale!