A review by mahtzahgay
Mysterious Skin by Scott Heim

challenging dark emotional sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Scott Heim's Mysterious Skin is a deeply confrontational work following the intersecting lives of Brian Lackey and Neil McCormick and the fallout of a deeply traumatic childhood incident they share. The novel doesn't shy away from details or from the raw nature of their experiences and feelings. I lowered my star rating from 4 to 3.5 because I would have liked the ending to have been more cathartic for these two characters. As it is, the ending drops off without the conflict and issues having been resolved fully. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings