This book, which is a
collection of vampire erotica, should have been called "Love in
Vain". I have had it on my bookshelf for a few years now, and had only
bought it because Poppy Z. Brite was the editor. Big mistake. But let me
elaborate while repenting on the error of my ways.
There are twenty stories in
the book, exploring the vampire myth. I'll begin by saying that this book is
NOT erotica. The erotic element is almost absent or dealt with in a passing
manner. Most stories are about vampires of one sort or another. Two of the stories
(In the Greenhouse, Delicious Antique Whore) could be describing someone's
reaction to experimental drugs; that is the only explanation I can find for the
fact they are so disjointed, nonsensical and boring. Sorry about that, but
honestly, I can’t make sense of them at all.
Another three stories (Queen
of the Night, Do Not Hasten to Bid Me Adieu, The Final Fete of Abba Adi) are
experiments in writing, as the authors must have aimed at something, but what
they have written achieves nothing, not even meaning in some cases. Why choose
a narrating style that makes no sense and forces the reader wonder what it is
that they are reading, I'll never know. It does not make the author a
misunderstood genius, part of a secret ‘elite’. Not concluding the story in an
understandable manner doesn't make the story dark and mysterious. It just
makes readers scratch their heads with bafflement. Maybe those authors should write only for other like-minded authors, as well as read such
literature exclusively. The genre would be called inimeningitis, as those
writing it seem to be in the initial stages of meningitis. This would explain
the confusion, continual jumps from present to future and past (due to fever),
lack of understandable plot and endless ramblings. It would also explain why
those reading it feel like they have meningitis at full blast, hence the headache
and disorientation.
Stories that never managed to
be concluded in an adequate manner or pull all the threads together in a
satisfying way:
White Chapel, A Slow Red
Whisper of Sand. Good material, not so good storytelling.
Stories that honestly tried to
say something original but were condemned by clichés and bad writing and/or
plot:
Empty Vessels, The Marriage,
In this Soul of a Woman, Love Me Forever, Elixir, From Hunger.
It should also be noted that
many of the previous ones aim at shock value, something that undermines them
even more.
And now (thank Gods!) some
stories of note:
Geraldine is original and
adequately written, although near the end is a little unrealistic and a bit too
cheesy for my taste. Generally speaking, I enjoyed this one, although I did not
feel it broadened my literary horizons. Compared of course with some of the
previous, it shines like a masterpiece.
Triptych di Amore is
pseudo-historical and also one of the few notable stories that have a beginning,
a middle and an end. The ending is left open to possibilities. I wish it was a
little shorter though. It tired me at parts.
And the Horses Hiss at
Midnight was also interesting although written in an unusual style. Much like a
nightly trip under the pale light of the moon. One is not guided by sight as
much as touch, and imagination is called upon to fill the gaps vision cannot
cover. But its dreamy, vague quality may tire some readers.
The Gift of Neptune is unusual,
weird, funny, disgusting and sad at the same time. I really loved it although
it appears to be inconclusive. In reality it concludes at its very beginning.
Sarcasm, care, apathy and cynicism mix in equal parts in it and the fantasy
element just adds to the whole.
The Alchemy of the Throat
deals with castrati that I love as a subject. Well written, blasphemous, tender
and sad, it speaks about the death of a whole era, and of how this ending
sometimes is the only thing that can offer meaning.
Cafe Endless: Spring Rain was
my second favourite. I loved how it depicts the differences between the
Japanese and the American culture and mentality, as well as the language used.
The story happens in Japan and the end does not let down the chosen subject.
My personal favourite was
Cherry. It has to do with dreams, obsessions, rebirth and discoveries, and how
the saviour we yearn for is sometimes none other than ourselves. It's sharp,
smart and modern and reeks of the despair of a whole generation that could
neither go back nor move on. Loved this one.
All in all, I was disappointed
from this book. They say Love in Vein 2 is much better... But I am not sure if
I want to risk and buy it in anything else than a very cheap second hand paperback.
