Book 58 - Rob Magnuson Smith "Scorper"
Jul. 23rd, 2016 05:48 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
jazzy_daveRob Magnuson Smith "Scorper" (Granta)
The draw of this read is a doubt that Smith plays into your mind, reminiscent of Philip Larkin's "Jill". The staying appeal of "Scorper" however is its beautifully crafted language, making this a novel worthy of study. Smith indulges in a second person narrative so organic, that what to some would come across as gimmicky, passes you by without you even noticing; that is until "you" becomes "he" and you realise that you have been unwittingly augmented into the pages. "Scorper" is a book that will play with your mind long after you put it down, while outside of its pages you start to look at your own actions with a far more watchful eye.
It's dalliance from second person narrative third person narrative may feel like a contrivance but persevere; the last bit made me laugh out loud. And you won't get the kick unless you persevere.
Fontophiles and incestuous engravers will lap this up.
The draw of this read is a doubt that Smith plays into your mind, reminiscent of Philip Larkin's "Jill". The staying appeal of "Scorper" however is its beautifully crafted language, making this a novel worthy of study. Smith indulges in a second person narrative so organic, that what to some would come across as gimmicky, passes you by without you even noticing; that is until "you" becomes "he" and you realise that you have been unwittingly augmented into the pages. "Scorper" is a book that will play with your mind long after you put it down, while outside of its pages you start to look at your own actions with a far more watchful eye.
It's dalliance from second person narrative third person narrative may feel like a contrivance but persevere; the last bit made me laugh out loud. And you won't get the kick unless you persevere.
Fontophiles and incestuous engravers will lap this up.
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