The Raw Shark Texts

I first have to say that I'm sorry for this late post. I know I have to post more often, but I'm so busy right now! Exams are coming up and I still have to turn in a lot of important assignments.

One of those assignments, was to write an essay about a totally mental book I just had to mention on my blog. The Raw Shark Texts from Steven Hall. Really, its difficult to describe this book because it is so absurd and so weird! But also really really good. I know I don't usually post about books but I think you guys should know about this one.




"Eric Sanderson wakes up in a place he doesn't recognice, unable to remember who he is. All he has left are journal entries recalling Clio, a perfect love now gone.
So begins a thrilling adventure that will send Eric and his cynical cat Ian on a search for the Ludovician, the force that is threatening his life, and Dr. Trey Fidorus, the only man who knows its secrets."

Sounds promising, no? The special thing about this book is that it has so many connections with other famous stories, like the Orpheus myth but also famous movies like Jaws. And, to make it more special: For every chapter in the book, there is a UN-chapter, somewhere hidden in the world. Really, I'm not making it up! Only 4 or 5 of those unchapters are found today (one under a bench in the UK) and there is a huge discussion going on on Steven Halls website: http://forums.steven-hall.org/ Here is a picture from him btw:




There are so many interpretations of this book that it is really mindblowing. For my essay, I had to write about hypertext (texts on the internet with hyperlinks) and intertekstuality (the fact that every texts is linked to other texts and is never original). I'm going to turn it in tomorrow, so I hope my teacher will like it!

Ow, the Ludovician, which is described in the describtion of the book, is a huge dangerous shark who eats your memories away and then KILLS you!


If you like absurd books and want to join the discussion on the forum, than read it! It really is worth your time, although I guess you will be startled at first with the unbelieveble world in it.

I'll try to post next friday or saturday. Don't know yet what kinda post it will be,but I promise you it will be worth reading :)