Paul Lappen, 4.5 out of 5 stars, December 15th, 2023

Lots of action and good writing

Eric is a member of Congress, and a rising star in the national Democratic Party. The White House seems to be the next step, until an affair with Sue, another member of Congress, derails his political career. Sue is a satanist, and introduces Eric to satan. Why limit yourself to being President of the United States, when you can be dictator? For a while, Eric is married to Destiny, who he turns into his sex slave.

Robert is your average twentysomething living in Long Island. He lives with his mother, he doesn't own a car and he works a dead-end job at a local supermarket. He meets a woman named Destiny (the same one). After a night of sex, Robert is violently ill. He recovers, and discovers that he has incredible physical powers.

Eric's takeover of America, through a cult called Eye for an Eye, is complete. He and Sue are in the White House. Millions of people are dead. Robert and Destiny are the only ones who can stop him. Who is still alive at the end? (The author leaves room for a possible sequel.)

This is a really good story. It has lots of action and religion and sex. There is also lots of good writing. This book almost, but not quite, reaches the level of being an excellent book (it gets 4.5 stars). Yes, it is very much worth reading.

Worth reading 😎

Paul Bailey is either insane, a prophet, or the best writer in America

I’m a Christian. But as a Christian, I pick up or consume any Christian art with a heavy heart. It wasn’t always this way. Back in the renaissance era we had the agony and the ecstasy. Now we have lifetime movies. It’s kind of depressing. But, Christian themes do interest me, and there’s nothing more powerful than an evocation of the battle between good and evil with God and the Devil. 

Paul Bailey’s Face Maskculinity intrigued me from the off. “What a bizarre title,” I thought. “What on earth could this be about?” It turns out this book is, spoiler alert, about covid. At least a metaphor about covid with a masked superhero and a corrupt, satanist President of the United States. It’s the sort of book where gallons of blood are poured on the White House Lawn. It’s the sort of book where the villain meets Satan in the depths of Hell. When the main female antagonist has a realisation, it’s “she wasn’t in love with him, just his cock”.

Such a religious book makes Latin Chanting and Hellfire itself look subtle, but you have to surrender to it. This book burns with passion. Has its heart in the right place. It’s the shotgun blast the pro-mask movement needs to fire with when it comes to lockdowns and Covid safety. And by god, does this book fire with a shotgun. This book fires with a thousand shotguns. 

Paul Bailey uses sex in this book as a blunt, crude object that emphasises its ugly, practical nature; his writing reminds me in this aspect not only of Murakami but of early 2010s Kanye West albums. I personally can't stand Kanye now, but his religious musings in “Yeezus” and “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” are not without merit. Kanye has/ had a sleazy playful side, though, which Paul Bailey evidently does not — the sex in this book, while tinged with religion, is brutal, blunt and in your face. I’m not talking Lady Chatterley’s Lover here or Fifty Shades of Grey but genuine upsetting carnality that recalls Bret Easton Ellis and the grimy, gungy back-chapters of American Psycho. 

I’m not going to lie. This book fires in all directions. The cowboy approach may not be for some and it goes without saying, this book is an acquired taste. But as a Great Man once said, “thou has seen, thou has believed, but there are those who have not seen and yet believed.”

Worth reading 😎

The couple that everyone spent screen time with suddenly aren't together, but the reality show continues to keep them at the forefront.

The three main couples in the story have backstories that are as complicated as they are varied adding personal history to each person's profile and challenges that each must overcome. These couples continue to evolve throughout the storyline until they become involved in a reality show. Christine and Adam are a professional couple having difficulties that explode one night. Terrell and Lin start to unravel after Terrell meets the new waitress at the bar. Jason and Kendal are siblings that are becoming successful in their own lives, until tragedy strikes. Then there is a deep dive into the celebrity lives of Jason and Sharon, who live the life of an uber-rich celebrity couple. The fairy-tale existence of Jason and Sharon is fading and after many tumultuous months the couple divorces. At this point, the genesis of the reality show "In Love with the Chimera", helps Jason to focus. He becomes directly involved in the creation and production and at the same time, he is the main subject of the show. Twenty-five women from all over the country vie to be Jason Jacobs's love interest. There are complications and an additional side plot to follow. The fast-moving and complex drama escalates, as all the characters' lives become entwined. 

This multi-layered story and the well-developed characters keep the reader's attention as the characters change and some surprises occur, intensifying the storyline. Some readers should be aware that there are many references to sexual innuendos and physical violence throughout the book, as well as profanity. I believe the sexual references, the language, and some violence were an integral part of the characters' lives. I thought I knew the characters and storyline, however, I met with some surprises and distressing events that added even more to the suspense. The book is worth the read and I rated it 3/5.

In Love with Chimera: The Chimera explores the intertwining lives of Christine Ferrari, Terrell Bryant, and Jason Jacobs as they navigate failing relationships and unexpected opportunities. Set against the backdrop of a reality dating show hosted by Jason, the story delves into themes of love, competition, and the masks people wear to hide their true selves.

Strengths: Complex Characters: The characters of Christine, Terrell, and Jason are richly developed, each with their own struggles, desires, and motivations. Readers will find themselves emotionally invested in their journeys as they confront personal demons and confront the challenges of love and self-discovery.

Engaging Plot: The premise of a reality dating show serves as a compelling backdrop for the narrative, offering intrigue and drama as the characters navigate the complexities of relationships under the scrutiny of cameras and public opinion. The incorporation of themes such as abuse, curiosity, and ego adds depth and resonance to the story.

Layered Themes: In Love with Chimera delves into deeper themes beyond surface-level romance, exploring issues of identity, authenticity, and the masks people wear in pursuit of love and validation. The examination of truth versus illusion adds layers of complexity to the narrative, inviting readers to question their perceptions of reality and the nature of love.

Emotional Resonance: The novel evokes a range of emotions, from heartache and betrayal to hope and redemption.

Through skillful storytelling and nuanced character development, Paul Bailey captures the essence of human relationships and the universal quest for connection and understanding.

Intriguing Pacing: The pacing of the novel is well-executed, maintaining a balance between suspenseful moments of drama and quieter introspective scenes. The gradual unfolding of the characters' arcs keeps readers engaged and invested in the outcome, leading to a satisfying and cathartic resolution.

Key Points:

Character Dynamics: The interactions between Christine, Terrell, and Jason drive the narrative forward, with each character bringing their own perspective and baggage to the table. Exploring the complex dynamics between them provides insight into the intricacies of human relationships and the power dynamics at play.

Exploration of Identity: The theme of identity is central to the novel, as the characters grapple with questions of who they are versus who they appear to be. From Christine's journey of self-empowerment to Terrell's struggle with his past mistakes, the novel offers a nuanced exploration of the masks people wear and the consequences of living inauthentically.

Social Commentary: In Love with Chimera offers subtle commentary on contemporary society and the influence of media and celebrity culture on personal relationships.

Through the lens of a reality dating show, the novel raises questions about authenticity, fame, and the commodification of love in the digital age.

Psychological Depth: The novel delves into the psychological depths of its characters, examining the impact of trauma, insecurity, and loss on their behavior and choices. By delving into their inner worlds, Paul Bailey creates a sense of intimacy and vulnerability that resonates with readers on a profound level.

Narrative Structure: The narrative is structured in a way that keeps readers guessing, with twists and turns that subvert expectations and keep the story engaging.

The parallel storylines of Christine, Terrell, and Jason intersect and collide in unexpected ways, leading to a climactic finale that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.

In conclusion, In Love with Chimera: The Chimera by Paul Bailey is a captivating exploration of love, identity, and the masks we wear to conceal our true selves. With its complex characters, engaging plot, and layered themes, Paul Bailey delivers a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant novel that will linger in the minds of readers long after the final page.