Book Review Of Fables From The Mud By Erik Quisling
- Posted by Essays Blog in Essays Blog |
- August 23rd, 2008 |
- Comments
Philosophy books tend to be large tomes of incomprehensible concepts, no doubt designed this artifact to limit readership to those already involved in this ethereal endeavor at the academic level. Real occasionally a book comes along that breaks out from the norm, in 1971 R. D. Lang published his ground breaking activity Knots, a Book that could be appropriated on many different levels, and more importantly, enjoyed by a ample audience.
Although exploitation a different communication Erik Quisling has produced a similar activity with Fables From The Mud. Exploitation relatively simple concepts we are introduced to any real human conditions. Whereas Lang old the nursery rhyme Jack and Jill characters, Quisling uses a Clam, an Ant, and a garden Insect to explore his theories. And as we get to accompany, these lowly creatures have the same wants and needs as humans. Often our wants and needs are hard to explain, and by modeling those concepts into the life of creatures with a ostensibly simple lifestyle, those concepts can be boiled down to ideas and needs that can be readily appreciated.
Each page is adorned by a simple line drawing, it took me a piece to catch on. The starkness of the drawing actually enhances the message.
Our first encounter is with an Angry Clam, he is angry because of his inability to change the class, what can a mollusk do? We follow as he moves finished a difference of emotions, becoming increasingly disillusioned with his life. Maybe manic is a morpheme that we can effectively consume. As with all III of these entertaining stories, Erik Quisling has a convolute in the fib.
Next up is the Ant, a hard girl, and an important member of elite at the girl level, blue collar through. By action a wrong fork in the road, he discovers the ‘stone garden’, a place talked about in ‘Ant Hill’ mythology, a land of admiration. But is it really?
Lastly is the Insect, this aging warrior has seen it all! He has achieved great things in his life, and we meet him reflecting on his past battles. The adrenalin highs, the appreciation of victory, and the knowledge of campaigns advantageously conducted, allay do not make up for the aching emptiness he now feels. Residing in the now completely decomposed skull of General Grant, the insect realizes that all the battles mean nothing. The achievements of the past are no more than a passing memory. He has one last purpose in his warrior life, but can he fulfill it?
Erik Quisling uses any real, real dark humor in Fables From The Mud. It may be a quick read, but it is a real contemplative activity, and one that once you finish it, you will deprivation to reflect on the stories. Minimalist it certainly is, but it is advantageously deserving the price of admission. Thither is something for everyone in this book.
Fables for the Mud is slated for an October release and you can order a copy finished different online booksellers.