A History of Violence

A History of Violence by John Wagner (2004)

Description: It's just another quiet day in small-town, USA, until a couple of wanted killers walk into Tom McKenna's diner looking for trouble. When Tom gives them more than they bargained for, he and his family are thrust into the kind of white-hot media spotlight that attracts a lot of attention - and questions about Tom's past. Is he really an easygoing small town guy, or is there something more?

Review: The concept behind the book is a very interesting one. We live in such a violent society that the violence inside of the book isn't really that shocking anymore. This story is a character study into what a small decision can do to change a person's life entirely. I was not too fond of the artistic style of the book. It was drawn to stark and at times it seemed sloppy. If another style had been adopted, it could have been more interesting. I have seen the movie that is based off of this novel and found it more interesting than the book. Nonetheless, I think it is still worth a look. However, if you have a weak stomach, this perhaps is not the book for you as there are many truly graphic illustrations.

Score: 3.5 out of 5

Movie Connections: Now a major motion picture directed by David Cronenberg and nominated for the Palm d'Or Award at the Cannes Film festival, A History of Violence is a nonstop psychological thriller about a man with a secret past who will do anything to keep it that way.