The Sad Tale of the Brothers Grossbart by Jesse Bullington

8/10

The Sad Tale of the Brothers Grossbart by Jesse Bullington is many things. It is profane, disgusting, perverted, stomach turning, rude, dark, funny, and I loved it. In the same vein of Joe Abercrombie’s Best Served Cold the reader is given a “hero” that isn’t the characteristic likable do-gooder we are all used to. In Jesse Bullington’s book you are given two brothers, Manfried and Hegel who are going to do and say everything that is going to make the reader soundly dislike them. The genius of this book is that though you don’t care for them you can’t help but route for these despicable grave robbing, murderous twins.

The brothers Grossbart are grave robbers, murderers, and proud servants (in their minds) of the Virgin Mary. From the first page to the last you follow the brothers from their homeland of Germany to the greatest tombs of Egypt as they fight off demons, witches, and all manner of evil beasts. Even through terrible turmoil the brothers do seem blessed by the Virgin herself as they wriggle their way out of darker and more dangerous situations.

If you enjoy your fantasy off the beaten path, something that is different and something you haven’t seen before The Sad Tale of the Brothers Grossbart will definitely interest you. If you have read Joe Abercrombie then you are prepared for the brutality but if not I will warn you that this is a blood and guts book at its most basic. The brutality adds to the character of both Hegel and Manfried instead of just being thrown in as an afterthought. This is a very well thought out and executed book. I have to say I’m not crazy about the last 3 paragraphs but I’m not the author and ending it the way he did was his choice and is one very valid way to end it.

If you haven’t seen this book I recommend you check it out.