“We are all trapped
inside the shell of ourselves. That’s how it is, and I don’t care if anyone
else disagrees with me because that simply indicates that they are wrong and I
am right. It’s all about voids. Voids in the universe. Voids within ourselves.”
– Spiral Out by u.v. ray
Mark Karzoso in u.v. ray’s latest novella (that’s a 100 page
paperback to you and I) fills the void with drink, drugs and sex. Through ray’s
writing it’s easy to see why. They offer, if not an escape, then at the least occasional
relief and a protective cocoon. Which is fine until Karzoso kills a man.
Those who recall this interview last year will remember u.v. ray isn’t
one to sugarcoat or tread softly; his words delivered like powerful blows of hammer on anvil. Spiral Out is less a work of outsider
fiction and more a state of the nation address. It’s not a pretty sight and not
only because it’s set in late 1980s Birmingham inhabited by Birdland. Karzoso
is no respecter of political correctness. He’ll say what’s on his mind, speak
his truth. It’s a brutal, horrible, meaningless world out there with the only
genuine truth being that we all die.
In lesser hands this could be awful angst-ridden drivel
but ray’s writing saves it. He’s poetic without being showy. Each sentence is tough
and unbreakable but keenly observed and snatches of gallows’ humour peek through.
More than that, ray is believable and bloody enjoyable. I read Spiral
Out once then turned back to page one to tumble out of control again - from the safety of my armchair.
Spiral Out by u.v. ray is published by Murder Slim Press. Limited to 200 copies.
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