My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I read Syrup a few weeks ago, so this review might be a bit vague. Short version: I liked it. I read Jennifer Government years ago, Company before realizing it was also by Max Barry, and jumped on Machine Man as soon as I saw it on the shelves. I liked them all, for different reasons, and so when I came across Syrup in a used book store, buying it was a no brainer.
I read the book as a “break” from trying to plow through this year’s Booker Prize long list. So, right there, I’m calling out Syrup as “light” reading. My apologies, to readers and Mr. Barry alike. I do not mean to insult or denigrate. But this is certainly a younger Barry writing, a more eager, maybe even less serious Barry. Which is not to say later works are more “serious.” Just that the wit in his later books is a little more world-wise, while the events in Syrup are little more farcical.
However, rest assured this is still a work written by a gifted hand. Syrup reads easy, flows smoothly, and like a roller coaster either makes you scream or guts you with anticipation. It’s a fun story, silly in places, outright absurd in others.
I’m not sure if I can be objective and judge the book on its own without considering Barry’s other works or the order in which he wrote them. (I did, after all, pick this up just cause I liked his other stuff). But I’ll tell you this: I just found out they’re shooting a film version of Syrup, and I can guarantee you it won’t do justice to Barry’s tone or style. The film could be quite good though, based on the story alone. There’s your review.