Treatment

Freewheeling, kaleidoscopic and wickedly funny, this is a novel that shows Nath to be a writer of rare linguistic and imaginative power.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 448 pages
Publication date: 10 June 2021
Publisher: Quercus Publishing

The Treatment is a novel by David Peace that delves into the dark and corrupt underbelly of London's criminal world. Set in the late 1970s, the story follows a group of characters who are connected by their involvement in a murder case. The novel is a searing portrayal of the social and political climate of the time, with themes of police corruption, institutional racism, and the consequences of violence.

At the heart of the story is Carl Hyatt, a disgraced reporter who has returned to London after a stint in prison. Carl is determined to uncover the truth behind the murder of a young black teenager named Eldine Matthews, who was killed by a racist gang twenty years earlier. As he delves deeper into the case, Carl becomes increasingly aware of the power and influence of the man he promised never to challenge again: Mulhall, the kingpin of London's rotten heart and defender of the racist killers who murdered Eldine.

Mulhall is a complex and enigmatic character, a man who has built his empire on the backs of others and who is willing to do anything to protect his interests. He is a master manipulator, able to control people and events with a mere flick of his wrist. Carl is drawn into Mulhall's world, and as he gets closer to the truth, he becomes increasingly aware of the danger he is in.

The Treatment is a masterfully written novel that is both thrilling and thought-provoking. Peace's writing is vivid and evocative, and he creates a sense of urgency and tension that keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end. The characters are well-developed and complex, with their motivations and actions often blurred by the moral ambiguity of their circumstances.

One of the most striking aspects of the novel is its portrayal of London's criminal underworld. Peace creates a vivid and detailed world, filled with seedy bars, brothels, and drug dens. The characters navigate this world with a sense of desperation and hopelessness, often resorting to violence to survive. The novel is a stark reminder of the consequences of social inequality and the powerlessness of those who are marginalized by society.

Another theme that runs throughout the novel is the concept of retribution. Carl is determined to seek justice for Eldine and to bring the killers to account. However, he is also aware of the moral complexities of his quest. He knows that he is the weak link in the chain, and that he has placed everyone he loves within Mulhall's reach. As he struggles with his conscience and his sense of duty, Carl becomes increasingly aware of the price he may have to pay for his pursuit of justice.

The Treatment is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that explores the dark corners of human nature and the consequences of our actions. It is a testament to the power of literature to shed light on the hidden truths of society and to challenge our perceptions of what is right and wrong. Whether you are a fan of crime fiction or simply interested in exploring the darker side of human nature, this novel is a must-read.

Weight: 318g
Dimension: 130 x 197 x 38 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787479371