Sprung from the molten heart of an ancient ash tree, torn open by a celestial storm, is a version of Loki that might surprise those who have grown up on the old stories. Melvin Burgess’ first-person interpretation of the trickster god opens up a new, more empathetic view of a character equally admired for his cunning and reviled for his treachery for centuries.
Known for his award-winning, young adult fiction, Burgess’ switch to take on the myths of Loki and his fellow denizens of Asgard is a departure. It’s certainly written for an adult audience and pulls no punches in its depictions of the often ghastly Norse myths; all mud, bloody dismemberment and “maggots as big as badgers”. But the shift in focus suits Burgess’ writing: his prose is electrical, crackling with a mischievous charge, as befits the nature of its title character.
The patchiness of the source material gives great license to a writer of Burgess’ verve and imagination. His depictions of the monsters of the early days of the earth, or of the slums inhabited by young gods are vivid and memorable. It’s clear that for all of its often jarring subject matter, Burgess had loads of fun writing about this world. His imaginative portrayal of Loki casts a fresh light on a much-maligned and, maybe, misunderstood character.
Loki, Melvin Burgess (Coronet)
Price: £16.99. Info: here
words HUGH RUSSELL
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