Are there any books that you've read, and like, but when you step back and think about the book you're surprised you like it?
Lately I've read a few books by Charles Willeford (The Shark-Infested Custard, Miami Blues, and New Hope for the Dead). In all of the books, essentially every character is alternately: mean, gross, vile, an actual murderer, an actual sociopath, or utterly unable to see other people as people.
Maybe that's all to be expected because they're very dark comedies (90%+ cacao), but I have still ended up surprised after finishing each book that I enjoyed it and would read another.
I'm even unsure about recommending them to friends, at least not without giving a caveat up front.
What about you all?
Probably some recency bias but I'll go with Heart of Darkness, by Joseph Conrad. Soooo many people told me it's their least favorite book, and it's terrible to read, and I'm so glad I disregarded their opinion. They also called it racist which uhh, kinda misses the point.
I loved the book though. Psychological, philosophical, critique of colonialism and imperialism? A psychedelic descent into madness? Sign me up for more please.
In hindsight, it's absolutely something I would like, but my expectations were pretty low.