Lowly’s Book Blog

How is your Dante? Any familiarity with other Apocalyptic literature, especially Christian? Mine is lousy and I suspect it needs to be in order to enjoy this first book from a new young English author.

The book opens with a middle-aged man waking up on the floor of his apartment covered in blood. He cannot remember his name or anything else about his life. Gradually he learns that he is living in Budapest. His name is Gabriel Antaeus. He speaks Hungarian and English fluently, and there is a lot of money in a bag in the kitchen.  And he can see strange monsters that are invisible to everyone else. Like the burning man that invades his dreams. Gabriel is a man frightened and alone.

After weeks and months alone in his apartment, Gabriel starts to move out into the city, just to be near normal people. He is drawn to visit churches, cathedrals and religious sites through the city. One day he is befriended by Stephimo, another man who can apparently see these strange monsters. The other person that Gabriel connects with is the young pregnant teenager living in the apartment building.

I have seen this book described as a mix of Dan Brown and Umberto Eco. I wholeheartedly agree. There is a level of gothic/supernatural strangeness that I have only ever encountered in Eco’s works.  And yet the core of the story is a thriller, much in the style of Dan Brown, the reader is asked to link the clues to uncover the conspiracy.

The publisher’s website indicates that Alex Bell wrote this novel when she was just 19. Much of the publicity for the book focuses on the fact that it is a young author’s debut novel. I can accept that everyone has to start somewhere, but Bell really needs to spend a lot of time more time in research. Just a quick glance at Wikipedia will clearly demonstrate that the title should have been The Seventh Circle.

Sorry. This book simply didn’t sit well. Perhaps, like everyone’s first novel, it needs to go back into the box. Alex Bell shows potential, but she needs to find a good editor.

Before I start, I’ll own up. I have never read a Stephen King novel before. Hard to believe isn’t it. An author that is so much part of popular culture, and I have never taken the time to read one of his books. My excuse is that I am really not into horror, and besides, Hollywood already promotes him, why should I?

And then my favourite editor handed me Duma Key.

But first the summary, if such a book can be summarised. Edgar is seriously injured in a workplace accident. His recovery is tough, and gradually his family concede defeat. After the divorce and regaining some mobility, Edgar rents a house in the Florida Keys as part of his rehabilitation. He loves the house and the beach, and as he is strengthening his legs by beach walking, he meets the neighbors and makes good friends. On the surface, that is the plot. But underneath lies a wonderful tale of supernatural powers, and ancient gods controlling life and death.

I loved the craftsmanship of the writing. Nearly half the book is Edgar and his changing life. It seems natural that he takes up painting to fill in time. With the life changing experiences he has had, it isn’t even too hard to imagine that he finds that he is pretty good. But somewhere within every chapter is just the tiniest hint that all isn’t what it appears. It is kind of like reading near a dripping tap. Every now and then a loud drop makes you uncomfortable. But you can’t put your finger on why.

And the climax is worth the time spent getting there. I keep returning to the theme that fantasy is stronger if it is based in our cultural roots. Persephone is an absolutely perfect choice for the story as presented. No one can doubt her power as the climax unfolds. The writing is simple, but holds intense imagery. The reader doesn’t even have to close his eyes to imagine the scene.

However, at times the book reminded me of The Dead Zone, at least as it is depicted on TV. Is the great Stephen King running out of ideas? Or am I selling him short because I haven’t yet actually read The Dead Zone. Someday, maybe, I’ll find the time.