Dez Nemec's Reviews > Rorschach

The book begins with Luke, who is a reporter covering a statement by a politician who has been found guilty of slew of charges. During the press conference, R. Budd Dwyer proceeded to claim his innocence before pulling a gun, warning the press to back up, and putting a bullet in a brain.

Thus begins Luke's transformation to Lucas. He starts by wandering the city, and ending up in a bad neighborhood, walking into a Fortune Teller's storefront. The teller's specialty? Prick your finger, place 3 drops of your blood on the cards, and see what they look like to you. Because you are the only one that can see them.

Lucas subsequently goes back to school, earns his Masters, and begins his new life as a therapist. But he always remembers the ink test. And Claire, the woman who stole it from him. That is, until she shows up once again in his life.

I was rather surprised to read the Budd Dwyer story at the beginning of the book. I grew up in Pennsylvania. I am familiar with the story. I have seen the news footage of his suicide. And I agree with the author - it's not something you forget. It was an interesting place to start; an incident that many people probably have never heard of. But it specifically peaked my interest in the book. (I even read the scene to my non-reading BF, who immediately knew what it was. As a child, he saw it live on the news.) I like the use of the traumatic event to kickstart the story, and it's use later as well. As for the story itself, it is an unusual concept in fortune telling. There is no real telling - the person spilling their own blood can see the images, but not anyone else. Very creative. Despite being pissed off at Claire for most of the book, but I really enjoyed this.

Four stars.