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Publication Date: February 1, 2022
Publisher: Sagging Meniscus Press
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 9781952386220
$20.00 Paperback
$9.99 ebook
238 Pages
Guest’s novel delves deep into the mind-bending territory of societal taboos, including incestuous relationships, abuse, and mental illness. Through the book, readers are transported into Albarb Noella’s ‘Lawnmower of a Jealous God’ – a film that centers around a family living off-grid in the remote forests of East Texas. The children, Henry, an autistic boy, and newborn Maybelline, are raised by Mother, Uncle Avery, and Royd. They have a troubled history of abuse, including incest and murder. Living in a secluded “compound,” they shun government agencies and schools. As we learn about their pasts and Henry’s twin Emily’s death, we see how it affects them all. Despite Mother’s efforts, Royd’s violence still impacts them, as seen through Henry’s struggles with motor skills and vulnerability. Guest skillfully incorporates figurative language to delve into deep philosophical ideas, such as Nietzsche’s belief in strength through adversity—rather than viewing suffering as a mere result of existence, one should see it as a vital force that shapes and enhances the individual. The novel makes numerous references to the Bible as well, using both metaphors and explicit mentions. In particular, incest is a recurring theme that is directly drawn from biblical stories. Through its unconventional storytelling style, this book sheds light on the intricate dynamics of a family fraught with unorthodox connections. Dark and utterly unsettling, the book will resonate with those who appreciate an innovative outlook on literature.
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