I am so pleased I’ve finally had the time to sit and finish this book. Despite having to put it down for a while due to work, it was easy to get back into the novel and it felt like I hadn’t been away from it at all.

The novel focuses on protagonist Dr. Luke Rhinehart, devoted psychologist and family man. However after feeling disillusioned with the way he’s living his life, he decides to try a different approach. He surrenders each decision he has to make in life all to the roll of the dice. Soon he becomes obsessed and begins to try and convert others to his way of thinking - including his children. To those on the outside Luke is losing control but he feels more calm than ever.

I do love novels which include an element of psychology to it and this novel was no exception. I was fascinated see how far Dr. Rhinehart would go, and how others would react to it. The novel and his actions continued to escalate and by the end it is pure chaos. Although there are many scenes in the book that are fairly unbelievable, they’re written in such a way it can be convincing.

When it comes to how the book is written, I found myself finding similarities in the tone of the Luke Rhinehart character, to John Self in Martin Amis’ Money. This frankness tone and attitude regarding such sensitive topics, such as rape, is likely to shock and/or offend some but you can’t help but carry on reading it.

With a mix of short chapters (one line short in some cases) and long chapters I found it easier to stay interested and more difficult to put it down. The short chapters (brief extracts from The Book of the Die and fan letters) were nice breaks from the story and sometimes managed to get more across and capture the feel of the moment. They also helped keep track of the time frame of the novel and allow the reader to see big changes in a small time period.

Although the content can sometimes be shocking and heavy, there is still humour in some situations Rhinehart has put himself in. You may not like his attitude or the decisions he makes (or rather, allows the dice to make) and generally find him frustrating. But he is an interesting protagonist that really pulls you into the story.

Much like Money this novel isn’t for the easily shocked or offended. Personally, I loved the book and was thrilled to discover that there is a sequel (especially after that rushed and ambiguous ending). The characters interactions were fascinating and the entire idea (absurd as it may be). I would definitely read this again and recommend!