Book Review: Those Empty Eyes by Michael W. D’Antonio
When I first laid eyes on the synopsis for Those Empty Eyes by Michael W. D’Antonio, I was instantly captivated. A promise of mystery intertwined with complex characters had me hopeful for a thrilling ride. Alas, what could have been a fantastic journey ended up feeling more like a laborious trek. While I appreciate the author’s popularity and track record, this particular outing left me a touch cranky.
The plot centers on Alex, a young woman marked by her tumultuous past. The themes of identity and the search for truth echo throughout the narrative, but unfortunately, they often get lost in a web of side plots and repetition. As I waded through the pages, I found myself increasingly frustrated. The 300-page novel felt more like a lengthy tome—each section dragging its feet when it could have been brisk and engaging. I was itching for a tighter narrative; instead, I felt like I was plodding through an overstuffed plot.
D’Antonio’s writing style has its strengths, but the pacing falters. Moments of tension are often overshadowed by unnecessary tangents, making the story lose momentum. I found myself flipping past chapters as I chased the elusive climax. How is it that after jumping through over a dozen chapters, I struggled to find a gripping thread? The ending, while undeniably over-the-top, felt jarring compared to the earlier pacing. Admittedly, it was almost amusing in its chaos, but it took too long to get there.
What resonated with me, however, were glimpses of potential—particularly in the interactions between Alex and her “juvie pals.” The camaraderie they share within the confines of juvenile detention brings a raw authenticity to the narrative. But these moments are often overshadowed by clunky dialogue and repetitious exposition. I couldn’t help but think, “Surely there’s a more elegant way to convey this?”
Some elements made me chuckle, like the awkwardly coined nickname “Empty Eyes.” If only D’Antonio had played around with bolder choices—“Shark Eyes” or “Dead Eyes” could have sparked intrigue instead of laughter. Meanwhile, Alex’s character, at times sounding like a discount version of Lisbeth Salander, had me both invested and perplexed.
That said, it’s not all doom and gloom. D’Antonio clearly showcases an understanding of psychological depth, though it sometimes takes a backseat to narrative clutter. When the plot finally hurtles toward its resolution, one can almost hear the collective gasp of readers as they glance around, wondering how everything managed to connect—albeit in a rather bananas fashion.
While Those Empty Eyes missed the mark for me, I can see how a reader who revels in intricate plots might appreciate it. If you’re drawn to stories that meld mystery with psychological exploration (and you don’t mind some bumps along the way), you might still find a gem in this novel. Personally, though, I’ll seek out D’Antonio’s future works in hopes he refines his craft. And who knows? The next adventure could very well be a thrilling page-turner that I eagerly dive into!
Special thanks to Kensington Books for the NetGalley review copy. Those Empty Eyes publishes on March 28.