The Smaller Evil

May 23, 2016
With his drug-addicted father in and out of jail and his neglectful mother wishing him out of the house, 17-year-old Arman seeks solace and guidance in Beau, a charismatic adult who promises a way to free Arman from his feelings of inadequacy. Arman joins Kira, a fellow classmate, and Dale, her boyfriend, on a retreat with Beau. Instead of the campsite expected, the three find themselves on the Evolve compound, a center of more than 100 devotees committed to uncovering their truest selves through exercises that challenge their abilities and memories. When the compound’s leader disappears and factions within the camp turn ugly, Arman, Kira, and Dale must decide whether they are being manipulated and how to escape. Balancing Arman’s experience with Beau’s inner thoughts, Kuehn (Delicate Monsters) elevates the religious cult novel with this sophisticated psychological mystery centered on the concept of the double effect—that the “greater good outweighs the smaller evil.” Though certain characters are more archetypal than three-dimensional, the book’s philosophical undertones and uncertain ending are transfixing. Ages 14–up. Agent: Michael Bourret, Dystel & Goderich Literary Management.

Ryan Gesell narrates the story 17-year-old Arman, who wants to change so desperately that he flees to the compound of a charismatic leader. Gesell expresses the boy's terrible self-loathing in a way that's painful to hear. Just when Gesell's heartrending narration becomes unbearable, the story shifts: Arman discovers the bloody body of the guru he admires. When he returns with help, the body is missing, and so is his memory of what happened. Gesell's narration marks Arman's growing strength as he fights to overcome suspicion and conspiracies. Mark Bramhall narrates interspersed bits that give the views of an unnamed character. Bramhall's voice is deep and detached. His authoritative philosophical comments are juxtaposed with the psychological twists, fast pacing, and immediacy that Gesell so skillfully delivers. S.W. � AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine