The Thanatos Syndrome

When I ordered this book, the description said it had only about 120 pages, so I expected a somewhat contemplative, philosophical novel to enjoy at ease. I was not prepared for this large sprawling novel, far too thick for such a simple story.

The story is a kind of conspiracy, about a large-scale experiment which should benefit the general population, curbing violence by administering drugs as additives to drinking water. Changes is people's behaviour lead a doctor to discover the plot, and counteract it. The story is simplistic, and spelled out for the reader in various steps. The whole thing is very contrived, with some facts being very unlikely, but necessary to make the novel work.

I was surprised to see and wondered how such a novel could still work, published as it was in 1987. Possibly, readers were forgiving, accepting a deal of inferiority from a celebrated novelist at the end of his career. The feel of the book is that of a story which might have been spectacular in the late 50s - early 60s (thinking of A clockwork orange), but is quite misplaced in the late 80s. The writing is not bad, but the story is unimaginative and peopled with cardboard characters. ( )

Really wanted to like this more than I did. Percy's story moves really well and I'm sympathetic with what he wants to say, it just didn't knock my socks off. ( )

An unusual mystery with a great main character and often witty. ( )

This story is based on a moral dilemma that is very relevant today. A good story, that kept me guessing until the book was almost over. This book is a bit of a slower read that I prefer, but well worth the time taken. Part medical mystery, part alternative history, this story is not for all readers. There are some mildly disturbing references to child pornography, racial and regional astigmatisms, and some religious moments that can be upsetting. I would recommend this book to those who can look past this type of content. ( )

Percy is at his best, in my opinion, when he concentrates on character. He has a steady hand when it comes to creating colorful individuals,as well as endowing his beloved southern culture with a personality all its own. His observations, voiced through these characters, are sardonic and sharp and are, to me, the greatest pleasure of his writing. Unfortunately, this book gets bogged down in a daft mind-altering-chemicals-in-the-water plot involving ex-Nazis (if Nazis can be 'ex') and rogue psychiatrists. The chemicals -- heavy sodium for those who are interested -- apparently banish all negative behavior in the test population, behavior such as violence, sloth, teen pregnancy, and sexual perversion such as oh, homosexuality. (Homosexuality is cited as a perversion by several of the characters, not me, and in fairness I have no idea what Percy thought on the subject. We must not confuse a character's opinions, necessarily, with those of the character's creator.) The dialogue is often repetitive and rings false, with little individuality between voices. And, annoyingly, the African-American characters speak in phonetics, making them sound stereotypical, which I don't actually think was Percy's intention.

All in all, I had hoped for more and the first chapters of the book promised more. I was disappointed in this effort, although Percy's talent is unmistakable. I'll try another of Percy's titles before discounting him. ( )