Black Days; Jackson Ellis

I’m not that familiar with the hoax that this psychological thriller is based on, in fact, I hadn’t even heard of it before this book. All that to say, I don’t really know what is or isn’t pulled from the annals of history, but even a fraction would be a doozy. This book follows Daniel who, in the early 90’s, is experiencing a type of depression that will be very familiar to many people: a quiet type of loneliness and pain where you just want the time to pass and to wake up to something better. For Daniel, a divorced man cheated out of his full pension, that becomes a reality. But when he wakes up from his sojourn of sorts, things only become more complicated. This book, with its medical and psychological thriller elements, felt like it was leading up to a type of moral the entire time, but even now, a day after finishing, I’m not entirely sure I got the message?

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The narration by Daniel throughout the book makes it very easy to sympathize with the main character. He seems to experience several emotional tragedies that pivot his life into a direction he hasn’t planned on it going in. Come his twilight years, he’s eagerly looking forward to escaping the cold of New England—and not just the cold of winter if his interpersonal relationships are any indication. But a loophole that feels so evilly corporate takes that dream from him, too. Hoping to power through the worst of his depression that comes about during the winter, Daniel hopes to replicate the effects of the accident that, inadvertently, took his full pension from him. I could empathize with Daniel’s desire to fast forward through the big, heavy emotions and depression that cold, lonely days can bring on. And that’s where I thought a “moral” was starting to emerge. Because while Daniel “succeeds” at his plans, it brings about unforeseen consequences that tap into ethical dilemmas when money, and the medical “greater good” debate collide. I just don’t think those dilemmas were set up enough to foster the kind of discussion I was hoping for.

The idea of doing something reprehensible to an objectively bad person for the good of the many is a fascinating topic that is only lightly brushed on. Perhaps if a bit less attention was given to the lifelong disappointment that is Daniel’s life in favor of extending that thriller aspect of the book that comes with its twist, we’d be having a much different, and deeper discussion. As it is, I can’t say I liked the devastating ending. It fit, to a degree, but because I didn’t think it was completely justified, I didn’t get that gut punch I was hoping for from a book that otherwise moves at a fast, steady pace with a character that I think a lot of readers will root for, and understand on a deep emotional level. Hence the 3.5 star rating. However, the book is very atmospheric and you can really feel the small-town atmosphere and the cold this book takes place in. So, if you’re looking for a quick thriller perfect for those long, cold nights, definitely give “Black Days” a try! And thanks to the author for giving me an eARC!