Only Revolutions
Mark Z. Danielewski
Read January-February 2008
Copy borrowed from Ramsey County Public Library, White Bear Lake branch
Essay written May 10th, 2008
I didn't even know Mark Danielewski had another book out. I read House Of Leaves a few years back and enjoyed it a lot. Then I found this on the shelf at my local library and snatched it up. Turns out, it had been published a year earlier. Goes to show how out of touch with the literary scene I am. Or any scene, for that matter.
This was without a doubt the most beautifully designed book I have ever seen. Graphically. The story itself, as far as plot and interest and readability, is not going to change my world. But as far as the symmetry and color and concept and typesetting... wow. Devastatingly gorgeous.
As far as the story, you know, the actual words in it, I didn't really get too wrapped up in it. It was like the author was trying to be a modern Walt Whitman / James Joyce and he wasn't able to pull it off. And it was also like the author was expecting me to respond that way, but the author didn't care; he was fully prepared to have posterity view him for the genius that I am to blind to recognize. Okay, dude. You go right ahead and wait for posterity.
In the meantime, purchase a copy of this right away if only to look at it and feel it. Stunning.
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