Book Review: The Heap by Sean Adams

The Heap

by Sean Adams (Adams)

 

The Heap turned out to be a thriller, though a weird one. It’s also a book about experimental sociology. A mega high-rise that housed a small city worth of people has collapsed and there’s a dig effort to rescue the radio DJ who is somehow still broadcasting from somewhere down in the rubble.

 

Between the chapters about the dig effort and the looming threat of violence (that I feel is worth mentioning because the cover sure doesn’t shout “thriller”), there are 2-3 page short stories about life in the building before the collapse. I expected to be annoyed by the interruptions, but I enjoyed every one of these glimpses into the society that developed inside the building. You could even read all of them in a row and have a nice experience apart from the main post-collapse storyline.

 

I recommend this book to readers who like a strong mix of food for thought and thrills.

[If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try John Henry Days or Apex Hides the Hurt both by Colson Whitehead.]

[ publisher’s official The Heap web page ] | [ official Sean Adams web page at the HarperCollins website ]

 

Recommended by Garren H.
Bennett Martin Public Library — Public Service

 

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