'The
fictions we partake of,' writes Seattle-based Damian Murphy, 'as with
the fictions we create, bear consequences for each of us that lie
beyond the understanding and control even of their authors.' (From
'The Scourge and the Sanctuary,' p.33).
This is
particularly the case with psychological studies of protagonists
often labelled under 'uncanny.' As a writer, you can be writing about
yourself without even realising it; or, if you do, your raison
d'etre can be buried deep in your subconscious, manifesting
phobias and hang-ups in dreamscapes that seem, intentionally, to
distance the self.
This
title comprises three short tales – 'The Scourge and the
Sanctuary,' 'Permutations of the Citadel' and 'A Book of Alabaster' -
and two novellas – 'The Salamander Angel' and the first-time
published 'The Music of Exile.'
'The
Scourge and the Sanctuary' is a a one-sided correspondence from
Theodora at 'River Station South' to Sebastian; two 'river
reporters.' interspersed with an objectively related scene where her
interests are revealed as much astral as environmental. She relates
following three people into a local building that has caught her
interest and finds she has crossed a threshold into a metaphysical
world that infiltrates her very soul, shifting her perception to a
new form of reality; a plot device that links each of the following
tales daughters - and sons - of apostasy.
'Permutations of the Citadel' states how Martin 'had always felt that
he might find the means by which to pass beyond the veil of
appearance and into something altogether different.' In this case,
"the cathedral of the senses, he was certain, concealed a hidden
chancel." A quote that links the interests of all five tales
main characters. Martin shares reception duties with astral master
Algernon on the nightshift of a remote hotel. The job is a mere
diversion for a pair with far greater, esoteric interests. For their
own amusement, Algernon proposes re-organising the layout of the map
that hangs beside the staircase. As Algernon commences with its
re-drawing, Martin soon discovers his changes are already taking
place upstairs... My favourite of the three short tales.
'The
Salamander Angel' is the most evocative entry, but also the most
traditional; invocations are summoned from the perspective of three
sets of characters at a church; a set-up, at least, with more than a
hint of Wheatley. The climactic scene of a horde of angels coming to
life upon their pedestals, with calmly murderous intent, is
memorable.
I
wonder if old computer games' simplicity, calling more on a gamer's
imagination, was the inspiration for 'A Book of Alabaster.' Stefan
lives alone in a lookout tower on top of a house. To re-engage with
an interest from childhood, he purchases a secondhand computer game
and console, primitive and long unavailable. When it seemingly
becomes infected by a malevolent bug that lives within the program,
his – and its – reality begin to merge into a frightening new
game of cat-and-mouse.
In
'The Music of Exile,' an opulent, snowbound poets' retreat draws
would-be poet Karina there for the third time in as many years.
Already there are three senior literati, including star poet Anna.
Karina – modest about her own efforts – is set an esoteric task
by her, with no clear goal, until the former develops a second-sight,
which - on successful completion – may, or may not, afford Karina a
measure of her mentor's genius. The impression left unspoken is
whether or not this is more a trap to self-destruction by an
ingenious rival.
Decadent exotica and rites of passage initiations, the territory
depicted here, too often succumb to prose far too purple. Murphy just
manages its restraint, succeeding in a balance between taut, economic
narrative and novel evocations that well maintain the concentration.
