The Library at Mount Char is the one and only novel by Scott Hawkins, and it is an amazing debut. This book has no easy classification; it blends dark fantasy, horror, and absurdist humor in a way that is both bizarre and magnetic. It’s not a story you read for clean logic or a neat narrative, but instead, you strap in and let it drag you through its strange, brutal world, and I am thrilled I did.
The plot centers on Carolyn, one of twelve orphans taken in by a godlike figure known only as Father after their original families are mysteriously wiped out. Father trains each child in a specific “catalog” (or category) of knowledge, ranging from languages to resurrection to warfare to animal communication to even observing timelines. When Father suddenly disappears, a brutal power struggle unravels the mysteries of their upbringing, the nature of the Library, and the true extent of Father’s influence. But don’t be fooled-- everything I’ve told you is merely superficial. Expanding any further about the book’s premise is not only difficult due to the sheer amount that occurs within those 390 pages, but also because every little detail holds significance to the book's ending.
The Library at Mount Char is captivating from beginning to end. Though it’s messy—jumping between timelines, perspectives, and absurd plot twists—it’s never incoherent. There’s a method to the madness, and even when things don’t fully make sense, they still feel deliberate. You will always know that every plot point is painting a big picture, even when the lines are blurry. Even with all that being said, the strength of Hawkins’ writing lies not in airtight storytelling but in its audacity. The tone swings wildly from the grotesque to the oddly hilarious, with a crude setup and flashes of vulgar humor that won’t be for everyone, but certainly give the book its distinct voice. I honestly see no weaknesses with his writing; if one were to shy away from TLAMC (I got tired of writing the title, lol), it would be due to the unique nature rather than actual flaws.
However, it is important to know this isn’t a light read. There are scenes involving graphic violence and sexual assault, and readers should approach with caution. These elements, while not gratuitous, are disturbing and integral to the dark world Hawkins creates.
The plot centers on Carolyn, one of twelve orphans taken in by a godlike figure known only as Father after their original families are mysteriously wiped out. Father trains each child in a specific “catalog” (or category) of knowledge, ranging from languages to resurrection to warfare to animal communication to even observing timelines. When Father suddenly disappears, a brutal power struggle unravels the mysteries of their upbringing, the nature of the Library, and the true extent of Father’s influence. But don’t be fooled-- everything I’ve told you is merely superficial. Expanding any further about the book’s premise is not only difficult due to the sheer amount that occurs within those 390 pages, but also because every little detail holds significance to the book's ending.
The Library at Mount Char is captivating from beginning to end. Though it’s messy—jumping between timelines, perspectives, and absurd plot twists—it’s never incoherent. There’s a method to the madness, and even when things don’t fully make sense, they still feel deliberate. You will always know that every plot point is painting a big picture, even when the lines are blurry. Even with all that being said, the strength of Hawkins’ writing lies not in airtight storytelling but in its audacity. The tone swings wildly from the grotesque to the oddly hilarious, with a crude setup and flashes of vulgar humor that won’t be for everyone, but certainly give the book its distinct voice. I honestly see no weaknesses with his writing; if one were to shy away from TLAMC (I got tired of writing the title, lol), it would be due to the unique nature rather than actual flaws.
However, it is important to know this isn’t a light read. There are scenes involving graphic violence and sexual assault, and readers should approach with caution. These elements, while not gratuitous, are disturbing and integral to the dark world Hawkins creates.
Ultimately, The Library at Mount Char is a genre-defying, deeply weird novel that rewards those who can let go of logic and embrace chaos. I rate it an overall 4 out of 5 stars. It doesn’t always make perfect sense—but it doesn’t have to. It’s an unforgettable read and 100% one of the trippiest books I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading.
Larne Patterson
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