Krekshuns

Matt Hartman is a freelance editor and cataloguer, running Hartman Cataloguing, Editing and Indexing Services.

Dennis Bolen’s previous novel, Stand in Hell (1995), benefited from a
dark and sinister storyline and some well-defined characters. In lieu of
those features, Krekshuns gives us gratuitous misogynous sex and
convoluted descriptions of the Canadian correctional system.

As a parole officer (like the author), Barry Delta is exposed to the
degradation and futility of street life in and around Vancouver.
Unfortunately, as Delta tries to rid his world of pain and suffering, it
becomes evident that he is something of a Neanderthal. The women he
seduces have no good reason to speak with him, much less bed down with
him. Consider the following “erotic” moments: “Barry watched her
with a thrill kicking inside his chest but covered it up by swilling
beer in his glass and gulping down a large slug”; “At one point in
the evening they coupled in the animal style which allowed Barry to be
with himself for awhile.”

The best thing about Krekshuns is the apparent demise of its macho hero
at the conclusion.