"Twelve" by Nick McDonell is a novel that follows the lives of wealthy teenagers in New York City who are involved in the drug trade. The novel takes place over the course of a single day, from morning until night, and is divided into twelve chapters, each focusing on a different character.
The central character is White Mike, a high school dropout who has become a successful drug dealer, selling cocaine to his wealthy peers. As the novel unfolds, we meet a cast of characters who are either buying, selling, or using drugs, including Hunter, a young girl who becomes addicted to cocaine after trying it for the first time at a party, and Claude, a drug dealer who is trying to expand his business.
Through these characters, the novel explores themes of addiction, privilege, and the moral ambiguity of the drug trade. The characters' privileged backgrounds are contrasted with the dangers and risks associated with their involvement in the drug world.
McDonell's writing style is spare and straightforward, with short, staccato sentences that mirror the fast-paced, frenetic world of the characters. The novel's structure, with its twelve chapters and multiple perspectives, adds to the sense of fragmentation and disconnectedness that pervades the characters' lives.
"Twelve" is a haunting and powerful novel that offers a stark portrayal of the drug trade and its impact on young lives. It is a compelling read that will leave a lasting impression on the reader.
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