'Primeval Wood' by Richard Gavin

[Dr. Valzer]

Thank you. I'm thrilled that you found Primeval Wood delightful. I certainly felt the ghosts of both Machen and Blackwood echoing through my contemporary narrative, but even stronger than this were the ancient notions of Spirits of Place and the sentience of Nature; an area that I know both you and I share an interest in, New Nonsense.

Best,
Richard

[nomis]

It is certainly a good time to be a fan of weird fiction. There's a real renaissance going on, I believe. It's the most exciting time in years.

[The New Nonsense]

Quote Originally Posted by nomis

It is certainly a good time to be a fan of weird fiction. There's a real renaissance going on, I believe. It's the most exciting time in years.

I couldn't agree more, Simon. There seems to be a certain classiness or respectability returning to the horror/weird fiction genre. Perhaps it's becoming more intellectual too, as opposed to the ever-so-popular blood and guts horror of last few decades. While there are still plenty of Splatter-punk writers, there seems to be a movement afoot including writers who choose to focus on altered perception, atmosphere and mood -- even philosophy -- over violence and gore.

[nomis]

As I suggested in my interview here, I attribute this squarely to the small presses of the late 90's like Ash Tree, Tartarus, and Ghost Story Press who helped bring neglected writing back into the limelight so we "new" writers could be newly inspired.

[Nemonymous]

A DFL real-time review in one sitting, upon the 40th anniversary of Neil's visit to the Moon.

Primeval Wood
by Richard Gavin
(Burning Effigy Press 2009)

Having real-time reviewed Richard Gavin's collection OMENS HERE, I couldn't wait till I entered that 'often parish' again ... so the arrival of my purchase of this novelette in my bungalow-house today was timely in order to quench such cravings.

As well as being a fan of Gavinostic fiction, I am a lover of Proustian works, too... and here we have a concept of Proustian weekends, whereby the protagonist, Neil, spent self-indulgent decadent periods insulated within his bed pigging, tripping and reading...

No wonder that another point-of-view (his girl friend Kate) left him for yet another point-of-view (Darren) - and Neil goes to the holiday cottage alone instead of with Kate. So, Neil, upon this voyage of discovery towards consciousness (as tutored by a believable discussion forum on the internet) ... to become what? A spoiler in himself for other points-of-view to suffer? A muse that is the actual author rather than an external force? An Aickmanesque 'fetish' of textured Wood? He is all these these things and more. Leaving the reader himself literally growing out of Primeval Wood or even, perhaps, being sodomised by the wooden soul within its pages' paper?

[Kate left Neil a note early on saying 'We're Done' on the medicine chest mirror. NightSun on the internet forum may also notice that the holiday cottage had a note faded out into: WE___ME.]

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My previous real-time reviews are linked from HERE.

[Ascrobius]

I have to get off my ass and get a copy of that book. Omens was outstanding, and I'm expecting more of the same here. It's on my long, short-list. so to speak.
Tim

[Dr. Valzer]

Thank you very much for the review, Des. I'm glad that Primeval Wood left a mark on your psyche. I will never tire of the term "Gavinostic."

Ascrobius: Your kind words on Omens are appreciated. I think you'll enjoy Primeval Wood. And of course my next full-length collection, The Darkly Splendid Realm is due this November from Dark Regions Press.

Best,
Richard

[Nemonymous]

Quote Originally Posted by Dr. Valzer

Thank you very much for the review, Des. I'm glad that Primeval Wood left a mark on your psyche. I will never tire of the term "Gavinostic."

A pleasure, Richard. Really enjoyed it. There is stuff in it, even I couldn't find!

Re 'Gavinostic' - thanks.
Reverberates aptly with 'Gnostic'.