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Özgür Uyank: Conception (2020, Fairlight Books) 5 stars

Review of 'Conception' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

An amazing debut, Ozgur's writing has so much energy, it really draws the reader into the macabre life of a sociopath and what a sociopath this character is!  We do not get told his name, you may think this odd but we are getting the story from his point of view and he has no real interest in what others are saying so any mention of his name is lost.  He is a horrible human being and you instantly hate him, but like all decent sociopaths you start to believe him, you create an attachment to him and start to care and then are left feeling foolish when he shows you his true colours.

The focus of the story is his big break through into the art world, you follow him as he plans this piece, he fully immerses himself into his art and this in turn reveals his insecurities and past traumas, explaining just why he is like he is.  The piece of art itself is part performance and this included some incredible writing, I was on the edge of my seat (most probably pulling a stupid grimace) absolutely mesmerised by the complete unravelling of the artist, he almost becomes a child again before your eyes.  Incredible stuff.

This book contains some of the most visual writing I've ever read, I finished the book and only then realised I had in my head the feeling that I'd watched a film.  I thoroughly enjoyed this and love the fact that you are left wondering whether this was fact or fiction. The cover is also something else, the use a black biro to block out the face really pulls you in, almost like a black hole.

Blog review: felcherman.wordpress.com/2020/06/29/conception-by-ozgur-uyanik/