10 Pounds, The Novel

 

10 Pounds, The Novel

Novel reviewed by M. Marshall in July 2008

In 10 Pounds, Davis’ protagonist is pitted against himself and the critical eyes of other New York City elite. This ignoble middle-aged confection addict (M&Mˇ˝s, Reese Cups, Mallowmars, Chips Ahoy, Twinkies, et al.) lives by his own moral code and a personalized logic in matters of sex and chocolate. He is a self-effacing Ignatius J. Riley.

Davis’ style is noteworthy. It stands out in the world of contemporary prose.

He offers a smorgasbord of delectable descriptions as he reveals his main characterˇs struggle with accepting the limitations and consequences of his aged metabolism; the new found tautness of his linen pants, and the guilt, longing, and feelings of strength and weakness that come from saying, ˝Why waste a toast on fat?˝

With Raymond Carver’s dialogue style, Davis relates a stunning portrait of apartment living in Manhattan. It is a class study, a laundry-list of women loved, betrayed and confided in, a list of promise and exile, in the authentic vein of Bukowskiˇs Women.

Beyond stating a mere preference, arguably, Davis seeks to redefine body image expectations for men and women when he writes, ˝I believe now, as I always have, that only dogs like bones. I believe that there must be something to hold on to.”

In the end, our protagonist, shown through Davis’ wrenchingly sculpted shower scene, manages to wrestle the desires the lusts and the penchant for delicacies so that he still has his dignity to hold on to.