These Violent Delights A Novel

Paul has always had a hard time fitting in and making friends; his family loves him but doesn't understand him, because he doesn't understand himself. But that all changes when he meets Julian. They grow close and dependent on each other quickly, and soon their friendship blossoms into something more. But even Julian can't silence the emotional and moral turmoil inside Paul's head. The two begin to play dangerous games, and they keep getting more and more real ... An absolutely brilliant study of queerness in a 70s summer in America, the divide between rich and poor, morality and ethical abysses, and the obscenity and seductiveness of obsession. / Paul hatte schon immer Schwierigkeiten damit, Anschluss und Freunde zu finden; seine Familie liebt ihn, versteht ihn aber nicht, weil er sich kaum selbst versteht. Aber all das ändert sich, als er Julian begegnet. Die beiden werden schnell vertraut miteinander und abhängig voneinander, und schon bald wird ihre Freundschaft zu mehr. Doch selbst Julian kann das emotionale und moralische Chaos in Pauls Kopf nicht zum Schweigen bringen. Sie beginnen, gefährliche Spiele miteinander zu spielen, und die werden immer realer ... Eine grandiose Auseinandersetzung mit Queerness in einem 70er Jahre Sommer in Amerika, mit der Schere zwischen arm und reich, mit Moral und ethischen Abgründen, und mit der Obszönität und Verführung von Besessenheit.

This book felt like a fever dream. I haven’t read a book that had me feeling all the emotions in a long time. Also it’s borderline psychotic This story is about passion turned obsession with lots of violence. The characters aren’t likeable at all but that’s the point , the reader isn’t supposed to like them. Even so, I had a blast with this one. The writing style was exquisite and I would reread this book already but that might be a bit too much even for me.

This is perfect for everyone who wanted Richard and Henry to make out in “The Secret History”, was fond of the dynamic between Hannibal and Will in the (NBC) show or liked the insanity of “Saltburn”. I can’t recommend this book enough for readers who like their stories a bit twisted. “These Violent Delights” by Micah Nemerever is Dark Academia at its finest, unapologetically queer and has one of the most beautiful writing styles ever, making me highlight almost every page. Paul is still processing his father's suicide when he starts to plot a murder with his new crush—for science, of course.  

This Dark-Academia book is all about toxic relationships. As Paul and Juliens friendship spirals into something more and they become more obsessed with eachother they learn how far they'll go to prove themselves. Hauntingly beautiful and insanely sick; I couldn't put it down!