Opinion on This Thing Between Us by Gus Moreno

Personally, I found this book to be over hyped. Nothing really juicy happens until over halfway thru. And then at the end you're just like huh? The entire beginning of the story is just this man reflecting and dealing with his grief, granted, if that's what you're looking for, this is a great book. I was under the impression this was a horror, not an expression on grief / psychological thriller. I found myself not wanting to finish it but doing so because it's so short and I had to see it thru! 

The writing, the first person narrative, felt very much like a close intimate conversation, like being his partner, or being in the mind, of Thiago. This narrative was helpful in building a close relationship with the character, as the reader I felt I really got to know him. I do feel this was more of a stylistic choice, one I'm not personally fond of. The writing or "thoughts" feel scattered and all over the place. And sure there are a few interesting lines and great writing, but it became a long and slow rollercoaster of grief and self hatred and I got tired of it! Not to mention there wasn't much spook. Also the book being in parts and dots contributed to the jumbleness. 

In regards to the spook, wtf? First the Itza, then the door, and the monolith/wall/door?, then the pet cemetery dog? And then maybe himself? Maybe his partner? Maybe a straight up demon? Demon / himself? I like the destination, but I feel the journey took the complicated scenic route. I will say, it resonated with me in sorts. I intend on sharing my theory. 

My theory~

Thiago had an innate darkness, or even a familiar ghoul. Moved in to a haunted condo by chance, a condo with a "doorway." His darkness found that door way and used Itza as a ouji board. And like a disease, it affected everything and seeped into everyone. That doorway stayed open and this thing, was able to allow Thiago see Vera and be seen by Esteban(I think the the name?), even interact. It was giving 'the further', referenced from Insidious movie. A place where the veil is thin, time and space are one. A place where this thing resides or travels thru and humans rarely are able to visit. I also thought that this demon, cook, thing, was an unknown leech, but upon stumbling into the diner and meeting the cook, taking part in an accidental exchange, the cook references the checkerboard and insistence on paying for the milkshake, this allowed a deal to be struck or a dance to begin essentially. And in this process, the entity, had a goal to absorb Thiago. Toying with him, killing Vera, pulling strings, Brimley, it wanted Thiago to give in. 

The ending, took me a moment to appreciate. It's subtle if you don't pay attention. The subtle change in narrative and tone. My interpretation, Thiago was intending on killing himself to end this cycle (it's already over), I feel he knew it wouldn't end in death or life, but that's neither here nor there. And before he had the chance, this possession took hold. And the change in narrative as well as complimenting the music which was previously described as abrasive or intolerable. The demonstration that Thiago is no longer I, but he, we, singular. Absorbed and whole, in the darkness amiright

And of course the lovely reminder of a possibly awful howling afterlife. Yay. Also , flux? Interesting word choice. 

Overall, glad I read the book but I don't love it