Thriller novels have always been one of the most popular genres in the literature world. They offer readers a thrilling experience that keeps them on the edge of their seats, wondering what might happen next. They offer an escape from mundane life and stimulate our imagination. Two popular authors who have contributed immensely to this genre are Sandrone Dazieri and Lars Emmerich. In this article, we will compare and contrast their novels, Kill the Father and Devolution.
A Brief Overview of the Thriller Genre and its Popularity Among Readers
The thriller genre has been widely popular since its inception, with works like Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle and Silence of The Lambs by Thomas Harris, enthralling readers worldwide. According to an online research conducted by Statistica, thriller literature is one of the most widely read forms of fiction as of 2021.
One of the reasons for the popularity of the thriller genre is its ability to keep readers on the edge of their seats with its fast-paced and suspenseful plotlines. The genre often features complex characters, unexpected plot twists, and high stakes, which make for an engaging reading experience. Additionally, the rise of digital reading platforms and e-books has made it easier for readers to access and consume thriller novels, contributing to the genre’s continued success.
Meet the Authors: Sandrone Dazieri and Lars Emmerich
Sandrone Dazieri is an Italian novelist and screenwriter. He worked as a cook, a sailor, and a provedore of sailing supplies before embarking on his writing career. Kill the Father is one of his best-known works, which has now been translated into more than 20 languages, and was awarded the Trofeo Calvino award in 2015.
Lars Emmerich is a successful writer and producer. He worked in network and cable television and has written and produced over 30 primetime television series and movies for major studios and networks. His published works include four political/action thrillers, of which Devolution is one.
Aside from being a writer, Sandrone Dazieri is also a translator. He has translated several English-language novels into Italian, including works by Stephen King and Dennis Lehane. Dazieri is also known for his work as a scriptwriter for Italian television, having written for popular shows such as Inspector Montalbano and Romanzo Criminale.
Lars Emmerich is a graduate of Harvard University and has also worked as a lawyer. He has written extensively on legal and political issues, including articles for The New York Times and The Washington Post. Emmerich is also a member of the Writers Guild of America and has served on the board of directors for the organization.
The Plot: A Comparative Analysis of Kill the Father and Devolution
Kill the Father follows two characters: Colomba Caselli, a detective who has recently returned to work after surviving a brutal attack, and Dante Torre, a survivor of a childhood kidnapping who is trying to find the man who took him. When a blind man is thrown off a cliff and his sighted teenage daughter disappears, Colomba and Dante cross paths, and they find themselves investigating a string of murders around an orphanage with a sinister past.
Devolution’s plot revolves around an accidental missile strike on China, leading to a disastrous global nuclear war. The U.S. plunges into a nightmarish dystopia where chaos reigns. The story follows Sam Deed, a political consultant hired to head a new government agency that ensures the continuity of the US government as it moves underground to the Mount Weather Emergency Operations Center in Virginia. As events turn into a battle for power and survival, Sam is forced to confront his past in order to secure his future.
Despite the vastly different plots of Kill the Father and Devolution, both novels share a common theme of characters facing their past traumas in order to move forward. Colomba and Dante must confront their own personal demons as they investigate the murders, while Sam Deed is forced to confront his past in order to secure his future. This theme of confronting the past is a powerful and universal one, and it is interesting to see how it is explored in different ways in these two novels.
Character Development in Kill the Father vs Devolution
The character development in Kill the Father and Devolution is quite different. In Kill the Father, we see Colomba dealing with her PTSD, which adds a touch of humanity to her character. Dante’s backstory of being kidnapped as a child and using his analytical gifts to solve the case adds depth to his character. On the other hand, in Devolution, we see Sam dealing with his inner demons, and his relationships with his colleagues and family unraveling, reflecting the downfall of civilization.
In addition, Kill the Father also explores the relationship between Colomba and Dante, as they work together to solve the case. Their dynamic shifts throughout the book, as they learn to trust and rely on each other. In contrast, Devolution focuses more on the individual struggles of its characters, with less emphasis on their relationships with each other.
Writing Style Comparison: Which Novel is Better Written?
The writing style of both novels is different, and you might enjoy one over the other depending on your preference. Dazieri’s writing style is raw and gritty, with vivid descriptions of violence, while Emmerich’s writing style is more polished and sophisticated. However, both writers have mastered the art of creating suspense that will keep you hooked until the very end.
Themes Explored in Both Novels: Violence, Family, and Justice
Both novels have some common themes explored in the story. Violence is a common theme, as both narratives involve brutal murders and a dystopian world. Family plays a vital role in both novels as well. In Kill The Father, Colomba’s family history forms the story’s backbone, and in Devolution, Sam’s family relationship has a significant impact on the story. Finally, the theme of justice is prevalent in both novels, with characters seeking retribution for past wrongs.
Another theme that is explored in both novels is the idea of survival. In Kill The Father, Colomba and Dante must fight to survive against a ruthless killer who is targeting them. Similarly, in Devolution, the characters are forced to fight for their survival against a group of savage creatures. The struggle for survival adds an intense level of tension to both stories and highlights the lengths that people will go to in order to stay alive.
The Role of Setting in Creating Suspense: Rome vs Montana
The settings of both novels are entirely different. Kill The Father is set in Rome, Italy, where the twists and turns of the city’s history add depth to the story. Devolution, on the other hand, is set in Montana, where a part of America is brought down to its knees, creating an apocalyptic-like environment. The setting of the novels plays a vital role in creating suspense and adds a layer of complexity to the narrative.
Critical Reception: How Did Critics React to These Novels?
Both novels have received positive reviews from critics worldwide. Kill The Father has garnered praise for its gripping storyline, character development, and the seamless weaving of current events into the story. Critic, “The Spectator” called Dazieri’s novel, “A real page-turner, a thriller without a single flaw.” Devolution has been praised for its chilling and realistic portrayal of a dystopian world, with a gripping storyline that keeps you guessing until the very end. Critic, Kirkus Reviews, described Devolution as “slick and highly entertaining.”
Which Thriller Novel Should You Read Next? A Final Verdict
Both novels feature thrilling plots and compelling characters that keep readers hooked until the end. If you’re looking for raw violence and a fast-paced storyline, Kill the Father might be the right choice for you. If you prefer a polished style, a dystopian setting, and a tale of hope in the face of a ruined world, Devolution will be just the right book for you. Both novels leave a significant impact on the reader and are worth the read.
In conclusion, Kill the Father and Devolution, both masterpieces in their own right, show the diverse nature of the thriller genre. While they share themes of family, violence, and justice, their settings, character development, and writing styles are different, making both of them unique in their own way. Readers can lose themselves in either of these novels and emerge with a new appreciation for the thriller genre.