From a brief description, one might think they know what to expect from “Dead Heat,” the debut novel from Hungarian writer Benedek Totth. Salinger’s “The Catcher in the Rye” and Stephen Chbosky’s “The Perks of Being a Wallflower.” The fact that “Dead Heat” is set in Hungary lends a sense of universality to the concerns. “Dead Heat” is steeped in nihilism and intoxication, frequent violence and brutality, a casual acceptance (and frequent occurrence) of sexual assault. In “Dead Heat,” the characters quickly reveal themselves as nearly feral, moving through their lives free of consequences, immune to doubt. However you analyze it, “Dead Heat” is a valuable read, and has the feel of an important book.

Source: thestar December 05, 2019 12:22 UTC