Adventures in Reading

“The lights went out in the Nameless Bar just after nine. I was bent over the pool table with one hand in the bald patsch behind the D, which Flynn the Barman claimed was beer, but which was the same size and shape as Mrs. Flynn the Barman’s arse: nigh on a yard in the beam and formed like the cross-section of a cooking apple.”

Nick Harkaway’s work of speculative fiction The Gone Away World at its center is a story of one man’s relationship with his own identity, but it’s Harkaway’s exhilarating digressions that give the reader a post-apocalyptic world with ninjas and mimes. As much of a spoofing adventure as a serious commentary, Harkaway’s novel is a sensational read.

A cross between Jeff Noon and Stephen Chow, The Gone Away World is a thoughtful novel that critiques society and industry, but never stops making you laugh. Harkaway moves effortlessly between serious philosophizing on god and man to slapstick comedy. It took me awhile to get through the first few pages and accustom myself to the narrative style, but I was rewarded with a truly superb book. It’s definitely one I’m foisting on all innocent customers.

Conclusion: Keeper.

P.S. As the unnamed narrator of The Gone Away World suggests, I did put my incisors against a metal doorknob to see if I could “feel vibrations” of anyone lurking (such as secret ninjas) on the other side. Mostly I was just terrified that someone would open the door and knock my teeth out. Word of Warning: Only experiment with this on doors that won’t open towards your mouth.

Other opinions at Necromancy Never Pays.