Treacle Walker by Alan Garner (2021): A Review
Author: Alan Garner
Publication Year: 2021
Pages: 152
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Fantasy, Magical Realism, Myth, Folklore
Awards: Shortlisted for 2022 Booker Prize and Shortlisted for British Fantasy Award for Best Novella
Source: Audiobook @everand_us
Before getting into this literary rabbit hole, I skimmed some reviews and was greeted with a chorus of bewildered exclamations: “What did I just read?” Oh boy, I knew I was in for a ride! This was not just a casual stroll through the pages; I was about to embark on an adventure through the land of “What on earth is happening?” Now, don’t get me wrong—this isn’t the “What am I reading?” of despair; it’s more of a delightful “Wow, this is bizarre but oddly beautiful!” As I flipped through the pages, I tried to decipher the enigma, and naturally, I sought out more reviews and articles for some guidance!
Welcome to “Treacle Walker,” a tale that masquerades as a children’s book but is definitely wearing a philosophical disguise! Our protagonist, Joe, meets this enigmatic character—Treacle Walker—who turns his world upside down. Think of it as a coming-of-age story, albeit one that takes a sharp detour into the surreal. The Epigraph hints at the whimsical chaos ahead with, “Time is ignorance,” and let me tell you, the usual rules of time get tossed right out the window. We’re talking about a narrative that tosses space, identity, and perception into a blender and hits “puree.” Picture walking through a door or looking at a mirror only to find yourself in a room of infinite doors, mirrors, and reflections—yes, it gives off serious “Alice in Wonderland” vibes, Humpty Dumpty in ”Through the Looking-Glass,” or even Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night's Dream.” And Joe’s language? It’s like it’s on a journey of its own, evolving (or perhaps shifting) as the story unfolds. Am I losing my grip, or is it the book?
So, why should you get yourself into this delightful puzzle? First off, you definitely don’t have to—but if you fancy a poetic, mystic, surreal tale that feels like a children’s story on a philosophical journey, then buckle up! This book is like a mental workout that doesn’t quite come with a solution manual. If you’re up for the challenge of unraveling its cryptic nuggets of wisdom, then this is your jam. But fair warning: your first read is just the warm-up lap. You’ll want to circle back to this gem multiple times to truly get a handle on the wild ride you’ve been on!
Comments
Post a Comment