 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
This is a surreal novel that is very reminiscent of the film "Eternal Sunshine for the Spotless Mind." Both works take you inside the drifting subconscious mind, but for very different reasons.
Carl helps out a woman being harrassed on the subway, only to suffer a vicsious beating at the hands of young hoodlums that leaves him in a coma. He wakes up, only to realize that he is still in a coma. This may seem like a plot twist, but its very predictable; not coming as a surprise to the reader at all. This realization came suddenly and a little too easily for Carl.
Carls needs to learn how to control his subconscious in order to figure out a way to wake up. He tries to rekindle his memory, but images of his past are blurry at best.
The silhouette drawings of Nicholas Garland add a lot to the story. It gives the reader a brief picture of the black and white dreams that Carl is trying to control.
This novel brings up the interesting idea of controlling one's subconscious, which I don't think is possible. Dreams seem to control me, leaving me powerless; a tied down viewer of my own mind. I wish I could use my free will to break free, but I end up being a prisoner of my own subconscious, which is something Carl was able to break away from.
This is a quick and interesting read that is tough to put down. Garland is able to hold your attention and imagination throughout.