In the midst of Kaplan’s narrative, a terrorist incident leaves Frank with another child, Jayden, who is reported to have psychic powers and becomes the central inspirational figure for Frank’s “cult of disbelief,” whose followers get called “Non Believers.” Kaplan adds peculiar twists when Carla kidnaps Jayden in revenge for Frank’s stalking and when Frank takes on the underground forces threatening Cleveland, all while dealing with his own mounting mental health crisis.
Kaplan’s lampooning of self-actualization narratives often hits its target, as when Frank joins a group of vigilante do-gooders who, with no training or qualifications, attempt to treat drug addicts. Yet Kaplan’s narrative is so overstuffed with that it loses focus, making it difficult to ascertain his perspective, which is critical in satirical writing. Readers will likely struggle to understand whether some offensive ideas (Jayden being named a “hermaphrodite”; Frank’s certainty that a Chinese man wants to eat his dog) are being parodied or presented in earnest. Frank is best when it slows down and explores a character’s interiority. Readers who relish playful satire will find Frank's adventures thought-provoking.
Takeaway: Lovers of the absurd will find plenty to cheer about in this overwhelming satiric novel.
Great for fans of: John Kennedy Toole’s A Confederacy of Dunces, Angela Carter’s Nights at the Circus.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: B
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: B+
Marketing copy: B