COUNTER NARRATIVES
John Keene (Fitzcarraldo Editions)
Counter Narratives is a fascinating read where the mode of storytelling is as integral as the stories themselves. Keene’s able command of language means at times he is wonderfully descriptive and at others uses sparse information, yet allows the reader to fill in the gaps, which makes for a more intense narration through what is not said.
Made up of newspaper articles, dialogues, diary entries and letters, as well as more conventional narrative structures that make use of both first and third person narration, this book makes for a multi-layered read. Though not always the most accessible of styles in terms of abbreviations and grammatical nuances, particularly in diary format, the authenticity of characterisation shines through and so it is worth persevering with as the tales are engrossing. Covering an historical period ranging from the 1600s to modern day, Keene presents an intricate work of American colonial tales from a range of perspectives. The first section offers portraits of several members of the same family across the generations and shows how easily dreams can turn to nightmares. Relationships between master and slave, sexuality, the supernatural and religion, are also over-arching themes. One narrative, Rivers, envisages a meeting of Huckleberry Finn and Jim in the future when he is free. Keene imaginatively takes these well-known fictional characters, as well as real writers such as Xavier Villaurrutia and Langston Hughes, and presents alternative stories for them.
Keene’s ability to tailor his language and vary his narrative structures means that this work becomes something incredibly unique and a clever way of representing individual journeys as well as larger issues. This makes for a very powerful collection.
LUCY MENON
Price: £10.99 paperback / £15.99 hardcover. Info: www.fitzcarraldoeditions.com