Bright Air Black by David Vann- Book Review

I was introduced to the Medea story through a mythology class I took in college. Since that time, the Medea narrative has stuck with me and I always thought there should be more to her story. When I was granted access to David Vann's Bright Air Black and I saw it was a first person narrative about the Medea story, I got a little excited. When I started it, I also got excited because the writing was hypnotic and it drew me in like crazy. By the end of the book, I couldn't wait for the experience to be over, so what happened?

Rather than retell the Medea story, I would rather get right into what happened. One hundred and sixty pages of being at sea out of about a two hundred and fifty page ebook is what happened. A chapter devoted to catching fish is what happened. A few chapters devoted to an island orgy without any major payoff is what happened.

I don't want to totally slam this book as I thought overall, it was a pretty great book in certain parts. When Medea and Jason finally hit land and Medea is enslaved rather than lifted up as a hero is a pretty great scene and it has an especially evil payoff.

The writing is also really well done. It is very hypnotic and there doesn't seem to be a break. Medea is the narrator the entire time and you stick with her. There was also my personal pet peeve- no quote marks around the dialog, so knowing who is talking gets a bit confusing as there is very little talking in the first place. The writing carries the story as does the Medea story itself. We know how it will end eventually and that payoff is great.

The length of time at sea though is mind numbing. I wondered why the author chose to keep all the characters on the ocean that long, especially when he chose to start painting Medea as this powerful woman who has the crew under her control. By the time they land that power disappears completely. 

That was what was ultimately disappointing. One has a great story and a great premise to work with. The female lead is a strong lead and lots could have been done with it, but ultimately Vann just lets Medea fade.

I gave this one 3 stars.

*I would like to thank NetGalley for the ability to read this book for review. I received it for free in exchange for an honest review.