Edward Moon is past his prime. He’s a conjuror in Victoria England who no longer packs the seats at The Theatre of Marvels, despite quite an awe-inspiring act: sticking swords through the body of his mute giant pal known as THE SOMNAMBULIST, with nary a drop of blood.
In Jonathan Barnes’ debut novel, Moon and his milk-guzzling golem friend are called upon by the cops to help solve the murder of a man killed under most peculiar circumstances. We see exactly those in the opening pages; they involve a tower-topping room of luxury, a whore and a scaly looking figure that breaks through the window and hurls the fat man to his death.
Not having much else to do and always up for a challenge, Moon agrees to assist the police. Before long, there’s another homicide that bears marked similarities, pointing to the likelihood of a serial killer. It doesn’t take long for Moon to zero in on a suspect: a human fly. Bizarre enough for you? I haven’t even mentioned the bearded hookers, the albino, the medium who talks to Spanish spirits, or even the guy who claims to live time backwards.
From its first line, dripping in wicked self-deprecation (“Be warned. This book has no literary merit whatsoever. It a lurid piece of nonsense …”), it’s obvious THE SOMNAMBULIST – tough to spell, easy to love – is going to be something special. Its company of oddball characters, cast into an increasingly absurd plot, reminds the reader of JONATHAN STRANGE & MR. NORRELL, INAMORATA, FRANKENSTEIN and THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN, with a big dose of the mindfuck that is THE PRESTIGE. And yet, Barnes’ story still smacks of originality and unpredictability.
This mix of mystery, fantasy and the uncategorizable proves absolutely beguiling. Just a hint of the luster is scrubbed off by an overblown finale that take the focus off of Moon and on our Lemony Snicket-esque narrator, whose identity is concealed until the home stretch. THE SOMNAMBULIST still shines, however, as the first year-end contender of 2008. –Rod Lott
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Damn! I’m still waiting for Amazon to send me my pre-ordered copy. Can’t wait to get my mitts on it…
Well, you’ve convinced me. I’m ordering today. Nothing says Valentine’s Day gift like a human fly and bearded hookers.
Sold!
Awesome! I’m putting together a pile of books for a vacation at the end of March, and this is now on my list.