Catling, Brian - A Mystery Of Remnant And Other Absences
His previous book, Munky, I never understood. The characters, the narrative, the “mystery”.
The one provides an incisive prologue by Victor Rees. What to look for in Catling’s writing, how to grasp his intent better. Much is made of Catling’s theme of the hollowness of it all.
There are a handful of stories in this, along with fragments and prose poems. Poetry, whether rhyming or prose, no longer stirs me. Add music and I might enjoy it.
“Heart Of The Forest” opens with the impoverished artist, once brimming with talent. Greatest was predicted. Until he chased the muse deeper and deeper. A subtle story, and a second read will help.
An elaborate extension of a Poe classic, “Further Facts In The Case Of M. Valdemar”, leads us past the last breath, suggesting the blinders of medical experts. The experiment taken too far.
The longest, and most satisfying story far and away, is “A Pendon Parva Ghost”. This opens with a mummified heart, which someone consumes. The tale told by the erudite man, a self-styled guru of sorts, ever trawling for new disciples. In this outing, a drives a handful to a remote village, then into an obscure museum. Where, on display, is a labor of love. A marvelous contrast of surface and substance.
Concluding is an afterword by Iain Sinclair, again dissecting and interpreting our author.
At the back are story notes = extremely helpful.
I did not enjoy this book.