Review: Luck by Chris Coppel

Luck, lies, and the weakness of human nature collide in Luck by Chris Coppel, an entertaining and savage satire that circles the strange birth and even stranger life of Daniel Trapp. Boasting a power that most would consider a blessing, good fortune seems to follow the main character like a shadow, but there are darker forces at work, and prices that must be paid.

As the title suggests, luck is a persistent theme from start to finish, frequently driving the plot twists and inexplicable events of the story. Daniel Trapp’s seemingly miraculous gift is another character in itself, an aura existing around him that can be amplified or concentrated, or wielded like a weapon. When the ability to win friends and influence people around him becomes dull, Daniel Trapp naturally expands his sphere of influence, climbing the rungs of power and wealth even as his grip on reality begins to slip.

The book progresses slowly, not reaching the dark heart of the plot until well past the midpoint, but this patient buildup sets the tone well. Watching Daniel Trapp grow up also allows for extended focus on Henry and Mary Trapp, who are arguably just as blessed and cursed by their son’s inexplicable gifts.

From the dedication page to the closing moments of this brilliant splash of a novel, it is clear that it will be written with the author’s tongue firmly in his cheek. The obvious parallels between the main character and another infamous DT on the world stage make this a compelling and frequently amusing read. The prose is biting, sharp, and merciless in its delivery, for a perpetually smart read that also acts as a guilty pleasure. The author can manipulate readers’ emotions as easily as Daniel Trapp can shape the world around him.

The main allegorical message of the novel is an important one: luck or money are both powerful tools that can elevate and intoxicate, but a balance must always be struck, as others must similarly go with tragic luck and poverty. However, this is only one of the many existential and philosophical rabbit holes that this novel will throw a reader down. At once the book resembles a thriller, while also an elbow-nudging satire, which is a tough balance to maintain. The fluidity of mood keeps the energy high, while the short and intense chapters and clipped dialogue maintains a palpable tension.

On a more technical note, there are some grammatical errors, and the overuse of fragmented sentences interrupts the flow of many good passages. There is also some sloppiness in the prose, betrayed by tics and tropes in the language and syntax. Some of the self-reflective narration and asides can also be distracting, and occasionally patronizing to clever readers. Even so, secondary and tertiary plot points that initially seem unimportant are often looped back into the story, demonstrating strong draftsmanship and a whip-smart flair for drama.

With a deftly critical pen and a twisted sense of storytelling, this carnival mirror reflection of the modern world is a unique and chilling piece of fiction.