"Look What They Have Turned Me Into" by Randolph Marks follows the life of Randy, an Afro-American immigrant from Guyana, who moves to the United States with hopes of a better life. However, his experiences with racism, bullying, and marginalization deeply affect him. As a young boy, Randy faces relentless racial discrimination from his peers, teachers, and society, which erodes his self-esteem and fuels his anger. Struggling with bipolar disorder and an uncontrollable temper, Randy eventually succumbs to an inner voice, "Jason," who pushes him toward revenge.
Over time, Randy's suppressed rage morphs into a violent obsession. He becomes a contract killer, driven by the hatred and resentment that accumulated over years of mistreatment. His initial reluctance gives way to a dark satisfaction in taking lives, and he starts working for a drug lord named Rudolph. Randy's journey from an innocent, hopeful immigrant to a cold-blooded murderer is marked by moments of reflection, guilt, and moments of brief self-awareness. However, he struggles with his new identity, trapped in a cycle of violence, struggling between the desire for redemption and the allure of power and control.
The novel explores themes of racial injustice, mental illness, and the destructive impact of hate on a person's psyche. Randy's internal conflict and descent into darkness reflect the complex emotional landscape of someone systematically dehumanizing by society.
