Merlin - Robert Nye (Merlin - Robert Nye)

Name: nlingwood

Hello doyoo user, You have to be logged in to use these functions... Login or register Close window

Send message to member

Product:	Merlin - Robert Nye
Date:	05/10/00 (319 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Hilarious and hyperactive

Disadvantages: Not for the shockable

This book is as full of life and activity as it is of profanity and scandal. Based around the legend of Merlin, the Dark Age sorcerer and seer, it speeds through theology, psycholology, myth, eroticism and dirty jokes. The sheer inventiveness and enthusiasm carries you on through it all, from Freudian analysis to Arthurian legend.

The story veers through time, appropriately enough for Merlin. It begins with the circumstances of his conception and birth, planned as an Antichrist fathered by the devil himself. Lucifer, with his hench-devils Astarot and Beelzebub, form a diabolic triumvirate, scheming, manipulation and blaspheming. The writer shows tremendous invention in his description of their surroundings and activities, writing with all the colour and grotesque of Heironymous Bosch.

The scatological theme of the book is exemplified by the explanation that Merlin's name is taken from the French, merde. Bodily functions are brought up at every turn, while devils and people indulge their lusts and appetites. Merlin himself manages to stay free of Lucifer's control for a while, but according to the legend falls to temptation and is trapped into his prison, from where he tells this tale.

The novel approach to old legends and stories creates them anew. The ideas of the devils' manipulation and temptations are both enthralling and disturbing. If you are not easily shocked, any can stand to have tradition and beliefs debunked mercilessly, it is worth a read. Imagine a combination of Monty Python's The Holy Grail, medieval paintings of Hell and Freud, with much much more.

Summary: