Wacky and eccentric

Dear Peter Carey,

I’m writing to share my thoughts with you about the novel ‘Bliss’, and I’m sure you will be pleased to hear that I would describe you as a mad genius.

The concept was brilliant: A man has a close brush with death and wakes up believing he has actually died and is now in hell. He thinks that his family members are ‘actors’ of hell, who are executing a complex and elaborate form of torture. He learns his wife is cheating on him with his business partner, his children are dealing drugs, becoming communists, and worse.

‘Bliss’ was described as ahead of its time when it was first published, but I think it is still ahead of the time even now. It makes me wonder if the expression ‘ahead of its time’ is just being used instead of saying ‘I don’t understand this book’.

Well, I am perfectly happy to admit I don’t understand this book.

It’s a creative vortex of absurdity.

Like your other books I have read, it’s packed full of fun and witty similes, sharp-eyed details of human character, and mind-bending dark humour.

There were a few scenes I really enjoyed, such as the head of the mental hospital accidentally terrorising children who had come to the wrong building, and the protagonist having his identity stolen by another patient.

I can see that you were going after the themes of morality, capitalism, and greed, and there’s a lot of material there for a diligent reader to ponder.

But I couldn’t make it through to the end. I tried and I’m sorry, I was just too overwhelmed with the weirdness.

I can only give ‘Bliss’ 1 out of 5 for my personal enjoyment.

It’s certainly a work of art that defies all expectations.

Kindest regards,

Tia

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I gave 5 out of 5 to this book by the same author:

Review: True History of the Kelly Gang by Peter Carey

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