House Boy by Lorenzo DeStefano was a challenging read. At times it felt more like a documentary/magazine article than a fiction/novel. The book is generally well-written, but for my taste, the story is not as well constructed as it could have been. The plot unfolds in a linear fashion when, for better effect, there could have been parallel plots unfolding from different characters' persectives and a more colourful use of memories/flashbacks. It's challenging for the reader when the writer uses dreams/inspirations as the primary tool for discovering a crime; this genre seems to require a higher level of authenticity than literary fiction.

It's a depressing story, nearly unbelievable, gory and shocking, but part of the reality we live in. DeStefano describes in exquisite English the most horrendous events and draws you in a world you'd prefer not to know.

I rarely use terms such as 'unputdownable' in my reviews but on this occasion it is the perfect adjective to describe this book. It is hugely powerful, and I can confidently say that it is the best book that I have read this year.

I devoured it over the course of a weekend and made the big mistake of finishing it in bed one night as I could not get to sleep afterwards. There was so much to process, and aspects of the story were going through my mind for ages.

As a film director, Mr. DeStefano has imbued this novel with a cinematic feel through vivid imagery of Vijay's world. According to IMDB it is in development to be turned into a screen play.

This is his debut novel and I hope he will produce more fiction. He is an excellent storyteller and has written a book which is thought-provoking and powerful and which I think everyone should read.