A Choir of Ill Children by Tom Piccirilli is a gothic horror novel set in the American Southern town of Kingdom Come, focusing on the life of middle-aged Thomas, who is the most important man in the town. The narrative delves into the dark and twisted secrets of Thomas's family, including his conjoined triplet brothers, as well as a cast of characters ranging from witches to drug addicts. The plot is described as a mix of film noir detective yarn, supernatural revenge tale, and farcical mystery, all set against a backdrop of a looming thunderstorm and a haunting carnival.

The writing style of the book is praised for being lyrical, poetic, and haunting, capturing a Southern Gothic atmosphere that is described as dreamlike, sensual, and oppressive. Despite the use of first-person present tense, which some readers typically dislike, Piccirilli's narrative method is commended for working effectively and drawing readers into the eerie and mysterious world of Kingdom Come.

Characters:

The characters are unique and multifaceted, but reactions to them may range from empathetic engagement to feelings of disconnection.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is dense and richly descriptive, filled with metaphors and poetic language, often requiring careful reading.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative is non-linear and lacks a clear direction, focusing more on atmosphere and thematic elements than on a traditional plot.

Setting:

The setting enhances the eerie, unsettling tone of the book, embodying a Gothic backdrop that is integral to the narrative.

Pacing:

The pacing is slower, emphasizing atmosphere and tone rather than quick plot progression, leading to mixed reader experiences.

They have three throats and three bodies, three intertwined minds and many feelings, but only one voice. They even have a lover, Dodi Coots, who sleeps at the foot of their king-size bed with the back...

Notes:

The book is described as more of a Southern Gothic novel than traditional horror.

It features a complex narrative filled with symbolism and abstract themes.

The protagonist is Thomas, who has conjoined triplet brothers that share a single brain.

Set in a swampy town called Kingdom Come, the story includes various eccentric characters.

Many readers found the writing to be lyrical and beautiful, though sometimes overly intricate.

It has a surreal and strange atmosphere, often confusing for readers but deeply engaging for others.

Rain is a recurring motif, with several chapters dedicated to its description.

Readers noted the lack of traditional plot movement, with the writing style taking precedence over the storyline.

Many characters are dark and twisted, echoing themes from 'Geek Love' by Katherine Dunn.

Piccirilli's prose has been compared to a mix of Faulkner and Poe, appealing to fans of literary fiction.

The novel includes themes of family secrets, supernatural elements, and moral ambiguity.

Some readers experienced a visceral emotional reaction while others felt detached from the characters.

The book was polarizing, with some loving its unique style and others disliking the lack of straightforward narrative.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include depictions of violence, mental health issues, substance abuse, and supernatural horror elements.

Has Romance?

While there are sexual encounters and romantic subplots, the focus remains primarily on atmosphere and character exploration rather than love stories.

From The Publisher:

This lyrical tale of evil, loss, and redemption is a stunning addition to the Southern gothic tradition of Flannery O'Connor and Harry Crews.

A Choir of Ill Children is the startling story of Kingdom Come, a decaying, swamp backwater that draws the lost, ill-fated, and damned.

Since his mother's disappearance and his father's suicide, Thomas has cared for his three brothers-conjoined triplets with separate bodies but one shared brain-and the town's only industry, the Mill.

Because of his family's prominence, Thomas is feared and respected by the superstitious swamp folk. Granny witches cast hexes while Thomas's childhood sweetheart drifts through his life like a vengeful ghost and his best friend, a reverend suffering from the power of tongues, is overcome with this curse as he tries to warn of impending menace. All Thomas learns is that "the carnival is coming."

Torn by responsibility and rage, Thomas must face his tormented past as well as the mysterious forces surging toward the town he loves and despises.

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A Choir of Ill Children

Tom Piccirilli