The Wall of America
Author: Thomas Disch
Publisher: Tachyon Books
ISBN-10: 1892391821
ISBN-13: 978-1892391827
Rating: 8/10
The late Thomas Disch may not be a household name. Yet for over 40 years, he transformed the landscape of science fiction, writing edgy, avant-garde fiction that ranged from horror (“The Sub: A Study in Witchcraft”, for which he received a Hugo Award) to controversial novels tackling difficult subjects such as genocide, religion, and the afterlife. Nearly a year to the day that the 68 year old took his own life, a new anthology of selected stories has been released-and what it reveals is a fertile mind as complex as it was troubled.
From comedy to satire to horror, the 242 page tome is a diverse array of tales revealing the beauty and horror inside the underbelly of America’s psyche. Stories range from a tale of vampires taking over the world, to a tale of a same sex couple…of teddy bears. The stories illustrate Disch’s active imagination, to say nothing of his wicked sense of humor. They are also perhaps the most authoritative example of an author’s ability to stay active, despite the ills that afflict him.
While there are some stories that are less entertaining than others (“The White Man”, “Torah! Torah! Torah!”). That should not stop readers from taking in the book in its entirety. There is also no mistaking the searing, political tone of the volume-the title comes from a story about the wall along the Mexican border. That should be no surprise to Disch fans, who know him as an opinionated-albeit stately-man of arts and letters.
Disch’s death may have cut short a career that by all accounts was still blossomed in the winter of his life. In time he may take his place along Philip K. Dick and William Gibson. In the meantime, if anyone wants to get an inkling of this incredibly talented-and terribly misunderstood-leading light, “The Wall of America” is the perfect starter kit. You won’t regret it.
John Winn - Staff Writer
Buzzy Multimedia - Sci-Fi & Fantasy Audio Books & Funny T-Shirts
