Plot summary, “The Devil All the Time” by Donald Ray Pollock in 6 Minutes - Book Review
1"The Devil All the Time" is a novel written by Donald Ray Pollock. Published in 2011, the book is a dark and gritty work of Southern Gothic fiction that explores themes of violence, religious fervor, and the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary lives.
The story is set in rural Ohio and West Virginia, spanning the period from the end of World War II to the 1960s. It follows a cast of characters whose lives intersect in various ways. These characters include:
Arvin Russell, a young man whose life is marked by tragedy and violence, and who is determined to protect his loved ones from harm.
Willard Russell, Arvin's father, a deeply religious man whose faith is tested by personal tragedy and who becomes entangled in a disturbing series of events.
Carl and Sandy Henderson, a couple who travel the country picking up hitchhikers and taking disturbing photographs for their own sinister purposes.
Roy and Theodore, a corrupt sheriff and his depraved deputy, who abuse their power and engage in criminal activities.
Throughout the novel, the characters' lives are shaped by their experiences, their connections to each other, and the environment of poverty, violence, and moral decay in which they live. The narrative weaves together various storylines that ultimately converge in a tale of dark and morally complex consequences.
"The Devil All the Time" is known for its atmospheric writing, vividly drawn characters, and its exploration of the dark underbelly of society. Pollock's storytelling delves into the complexities of human nature, the influence of religion, and the choices individuals make when faced with hardship and despair.
The novel is often praised for its evocative prose and its ability to capture the raw emotions and struggles of its characters. It's a novel that challenges readers to confront the unsettling aspects of human behavior and the depths of human depravity, making it a powerful and thought-provoking work of fiction in the Southern Gothic tradition.