Review of "Killings" by Andre Dubus

This story really kept my interest. Richard Strout murders Frank Fowler. In turn, Frank’s father, Matt Fowler, murders Strout for revenge. In the beginning of the story, I believed that Steve, Frank’s brother would be the one to murder Strout for revenge on his brother’s death; however, this is only for a brief moment. Steve is not mentioned again in the story after Frank’s funeral.



Matt and his wife Ruth are struggling with their day-to-day lives once their son is killed. Especially when his murderer posts bail and Ruth keeps running into Strout on the streets. I feel sorry for Matt and Ruth. I can’t imagine what it would feel like to lose a child in such a tragic way. Perhaps, I would have the same feelings and thoughts as the Fowler’s; however, most people allow the justice system to take over.


The details the author gives about each man makes them fit their part well. Strout is made out to be the dumb jock that couldn’t make it through college. He is now a bartender. So basically, he gets people drunk. This is typically seen as an immoral and irresponsible act. Frank has already graduated from college with his bachelor’s degree and is pursuing his masters in economics. He is working as a lifeguard. Based on his job alone, Frank is made to look like a brave, great man. He saves lives. I love the contrast the author gives between the two men. It makes the reader unknowingly choose sides.


The murder of Frank is so horrific, it also contributes to the feelings the reader may have. It really bothers me that Frank is shot in front of Mary Ann’s children. I’m sure the author intended this. Strout has the audacity to walk into his soon-to-be ex-wife’s home, in front of their children, and shoot someone three times. Strout not only caused Frank harm, but he also caused his children and his former wife a great deal of emotional harm. Later on Strout tells Matt that he wanted to work things out with Mary Ann. Did Strout really think that removing Frank from the picture would help, especially in this gruesome way? Strout impulsively acted based on his emotions. There was no planning to his murder of Frank.


When Matt decides to murder Strout, there are several weeks, possibly months of careful planning between Matt and his friend Willis. The men come up with a well thought out plan. Just before the plan is carried out, I sensed hesitation in Matt. He seemed like he really didn’t want to go through with it when Strout comes out of the bar alone. Matt attempts to keep an emotional distance from Strout. Matt won’t look into his eyes. This is mentioned on several occasions.


It seems that Matt’s life “ends” at the moment he pulls the trigger the first time and wounds Strout. The gun shot removes him from his life. It’s as if his body is going through the actions of living but his spirit is watching and observing. Matt now has guilt to live with. Instead of just his son being dead, there are now two dead young men. At least if Strout had gone to prison and served his sentence, the Fowler’s would have had some time to recover from Frank’s death. The pain would never totally go away but it would get easier. Possibly, Strout may have never returned to their town. Matt would not have to live with the guilt of killing Strout if he would have allowed the justice system to carry out Strout’s sentence. Matt is always going to live with the guilt. He is no better than Strout. Perhaps Matt didn’t think of Strout’s family. How do Strout’s mother and father feel now?


It is ironic how in Matt killing Strout, Ruth finds peace. She sensed the murder wasn’t easy for Matt but she is relieved that she can liver her life and go about her daily business without being reminded of Strout. Ruth does seem oblivious to the guilt that Matt is experiencing. As soon as Matt pulled the trigger, the isolation began. Ruth has yet to see that.