Choke
- First published 2001
- English
Victor Mancini has a unique way of making a living. A medical-school dropout working at a colonial theme park, he spends his evenings dining in upscale restaurants where he purposefully chokes on his food. His saviors, feeling responsible for the life they've just saved, become a source of income, sending him checks to support him. This elaborate con pays the bills for his mother, who is wasting away in an expensive private nursing home, her mind clouded by dementia. Between scams, Victor cruises sex addiction support groups for action, trying to manage a compulsion that offers only fleeting connection.
As Victor visits his mother, he is pulled back into a confusing childhood, piecing together the fragments of her past that she can no longer hold. Her scattered memories contain a secret about his own origins, a truth he is desperate to understand before she forgets it completely. The novel is a darkly humorous exploration of addiction, fraud, and the desperate, often bizarre, ways people search for connection and identity in a world that feels designed to keep them apart. It questions the nature of salvation and forces a look at who is really saving whom.
As Victor visits his mother, he is pulled back into a confusing childhood, piecing together the fragments of her past that she can no longer hold. Her scattered memories contain a secret about his own origins, a truth he is desperate to understand before she forgets it completely. The novel is a darkly humorous exploration of addiction, fraud, and the desperate, often bizarre, ways people search for connection and identity in a world that feels designed to keep them apart. It questions the nature of salvation and forces a look at who is really saving whom.
- Mood
- Dark
- Where and when
- United States
- Style
- Form: Novel
What readers say
3.71
225K ratings across the web 6 in 10 readers loved it, 1 didn't like it
Readers praise this book for its compelling and unique premise, often describing it as a bizarre yet deeply funny and innovative dark humor journey. Many found it thought-provoking, appreciating how it delves into numerous complex themes such as aging, death, love, addiction, and identity, often inspiring introspection about one's own life. The writing style, characteristic of the author, is noted for its satire, wit, and engaging pace, making for a fast-read despite its substantial content. The main character is frequently highlighted as fascinating and complex, despite his flaws, and some reviewers found themselves surprisingly sympathetic to his plight, with certain parts even described as touching. The narrative's ability to turn expectations on their head and its exploration of the human condition, even amidst the grotesque, is often cited as a strong positive.
However, the book also draws significant criticism, primarily for its often offensive, gross, and explicitly disgusting content, including graphic sexual scenarios that some found overdone and solely for shock value. A common complaint among seasoned readers of the author is that the book feels formulaic and repetitive, lacking originality in its character archetypes, narrative structure, and thematic exploration compared to his earlier works. Some reviewers expressed a complete inability to connect with or care about any of the characters, seeing them as one-dimensional or caricatures. Concerns were also raised about the implausibility of the plot and the contrived nature of some events, leading to a breakdown of suspension of disbelief. The writing style itself, with its frequent use of short phrases and repetition, was found jarring and annoying by some, and certain recurring descriptions were deemed nauseating.
Overall, this book elicits a polarizing response, with readers often finding themselves in a love-it-or-hate-it dilemma. It is widely acknowledged as not being for everyone, particularly those easily offended by explicit content or who prefer conventional narratives. However, it is highly recommended for existing fans of the author who appreciate his distinctive style, dark humor, and willingness to explore uncomfortable truths. It appeals to readers looking for a challenging, thought-provoking experience that pushes boundaries and encourages reflection on societal norms and personal struggles, even if it means navigating through unsettling and sometimes crude material.
However, the book also draws significant criticism, primarily for its often offensive, gross, and explicitly disgusting content, including graphic sexual scenarios that some found overdone and solely for shock value. A common complaint among seasoned readers of the author is that the book feels formulaic and repetitive, lacking originality in its character archetypes, narrative structure, and thematic exploration compared to his earlier works. Some reviewers expressed a complete inability to connect with or care about any of the characters, seeing them as one-dimensional or caricatures. Concerns were also raised about the implausibility of the plot and the contrived nature of some events, leading to a breakdown of suspension of disbelief. The writing style itself, with its frequent use of short phrases and repetition, was found jarring and annoying by some, and certain recurring descriptions were deemed nauseating.
Overall, this book elicits a polarizing response, with readers often finding themselves in a love-it-or-hate-it dilemma. It is widely acknowledged as not being for everyone, particularly those easily offended by explicit content or who prefer conventional narratives. However, it is highly recommended for existing fans of the author who appreciate his distinctive style, dark humor, and willingness to explore uncomfortable truths. It appeals to readers looking for a challenging, thought-provoking experience that pushes boundaries and encourages reflection on societal norms and personal struggles, even if it means navigating through unsettling and sometimes crude material.
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Details & editions
- This edition
- Books on Tape, Inc., 2004
- ISBN
- 9781415901298
- Language
- English
Original edition Choke Originally published in 2001 · English · Doubleday
