"kockroach" by tyler knox

tyler knox's novel about a cockroach evolving and molting into a human offers a reminder to us, through the art of storytelling, about what makes us distinctly human; the art of storytelling. the split narration bounces back and forth between the colorful, jazz-fueled vernacular of a small time new york city hustler that goes by the name "mite", and the relentless, almost scientific detailing of an omniscient voice. it's mite's storytelling, that makes us aware that somewhere between reality, and science, and art, and religion, there is story - where colorful characters are allowed to succeed and fail (but mostly fail), and sensation is given power to teach.

the story begins in mid-50's new york city, and follows the engaging transmutation of the title character. the "ribbons of possibility" open up before us early, and the promise of a stellar pay-off dangles before us, but the conclusions, much like life itself, are less than revolutionary. the characters are rich and the world they inhabit is vibrant, but the insights fall flat and trite. that is not to say however that the book does not warrent your attention. the journey is well worth the ride, even if the destination is not inspired.

excellent website to introduce the novel to you