Safe Return Doubtful

American Literature – published May 2000

The Minotaur, of Greek mythology fame, clearly didn’t get killed by Theseus in the labyrinth, in fact it seems he has been roaming the world for five thousand years since.

As the book opens he is new in town, and making a living as a line cook in North Carolina at a prime rib restaurant. Sherrill, originally from the UK, plays it straight so there is no reason to doubt him.

Some people notice his deformity, some don’t, but those who do, often small children, think nothing of mocking him. He has had enough of getting angry after all the years, because he has long since realised it is pointless. He gets by, just about making ends meet, living in a trailer park, another member of the working class trying to keep his head above water.

At its heart this extremely readable and often humorous story is about loneliness and alienation. The characters around the restaurant that make up the Minotaur’s social group are splendidly described and a real highlight of the novel.

My GoodReads score 4 / 5