Devil Is Fine by John Vercher is a haunting exploration of grief, identity, and the deep scars left by racial trauma and colonial history. The novel begins with the funeral of the unnamed narrator’s son, Malcolm, setting the stage for an introspective and confessional narrative. Vercher’s lyrical prose immerses readers in the narrator’s tumultuous emotional landscape as he grapples with panic attacks, racial microaggressions, and a faltering career.

In the wake of Malcolm’s death, the narrator’s struggle to find validation for his experiences as a biracial Black man becomes a recurring theme. His boss’s dismissal of his current novel’s relevance underscores the pervasive social pressure to move past discussions of racial trauma, reflecting a broader critique of how Black voices are often silenced. The narrator’s pain is palpable as he navigates the complexities of fatherhood, sobriety, and a crumbling relationship with Malcolm’s mother, conflict only intensified by the death of their son.

Vercher skillfully delves into the narrator’s battle with alcohol abuse, a poignant depiction of the coping mechanisms some fathers turn to in the face of overwhelming racial trauma. The novel’s exploration of fatherhood is nuanced and deeply affecting, highlighting the wounds parents and children can inflict on each other. The narrator’s dedication to sobriety, catalyzed by a tragic accident involving Malcolm, and his subsequent relapse after his son’s death, adds layers of emotional complexity to his character.

The discovery of skeletal remains on the narrator’s inherited land introduces an element of eerie suspense. This plot twist not only heightens the novel’s tension but also serves as a stark reminder of the historical violence embedded in the land. The property’s history as a former plantation and the revelation that the remains likely belong to enslaved people illuminate the ongoing legacy of white supremacist colonialism. 

Vercher’s use of horror elements is subtle yet effective, with the jellyfish sting that refuses to heal and the narrator’s increasing connection to the ocean adding an unsettling layer to the narrative. The narrator’s hallucinatory experiences and episodes of lost time blur the line between reality and delusion, intensifying the novel’s haunting atmosphere. The book’s darkly comedic moments provide necessary relief, balancing the weight of its themes with moments of levity.

At its heart, Devil Is Fine is a scathing critique of the ways in which white supremacist colonial capitalism constantly excuses and ignores the violence it inflicts. The novel’s introspective writing style, characterized by long, winding sentences and rich, evocative language, effectively conveys the narrator’s psychological and emotional struggle. The themes of psychological distress, identity, and the impact of personal and collective histories are explored with profound depth and nuance.

Devil Is Fine is a powerful and resonant read, with luscious prose and a propulsive, eerie plot. The ending, beautifully ambiguous and magically realistic, leaves a lasting impression. John Vercher’s novel is a must-read for those interested in diverse literary fiction that tackles timely and critical themes with nuance and insight. This book is an absolute five-star read and another strong contender for top read of the year.

📖 Recommended For: Lovers of introspective and lyrical prose, those interested in exploring the complexities of biracial identity, fans of psychological horror, and anyone who values narratives centered on the complexities of fatherhood and racial trauma.

🔑 Key Themes: Grief and Loss, Racial Trauma and Identity, Fatherhood and Biracial Identity, Legacy of Colonialism, Sobriety and Relapse, Psychological Distress and Hallucinations.