Martin's Reviews > The End of Vandalism

The End of Vandalism was a great book once you start to "get it." It is written in extremely simple language, deliberately paced, and the humor is DRY in the extreme. The writing has a very specific rhythm to it -- unlike any book I can think of that I've read before -- that takes some getting used to. But once you are won over to these characters and style and pacing it is an absolutely wonderful read and ultimately very affecting. (I am interested to read something else by Tom Drury; this was his first novel.) The dialogue is especially wonderful - seeming disconnections and roundabout rejoinders that (again, once you start to hear it) ring true and can be absolutely hilarious. The characterizations in the novel are especially razor-sharp and always accomplished with a complete deadpan. No character seems to be authorially judged in the book, nor does anyone stray into the realm of "comedic creation" or "caricature." No wild or wacky hilarious people in this book, only deft and quietly funny (and/or quietly tragic) people that you might know, do know, or could certainly imagine knowing. And while there IS a lot of dry humor, there's also a lot of quiet philosophy and rumination about America in general, the Midwest more specifically, the way people relate to each other, and also about a certain quiet, small way of life that may or may not be endangered at this time in the world. It's funny, sure, but also smart and sad and moving. A really terrific book full of purposeful, careful writing. Five stars for sure.