What Fantasy Should Be

Have you ever read a typical fantasy novel and wondered how these characters would react to being in the 21st century? Have you ever dreamed of an updated fairy tale that would show how real people performed under threat of death from monsters so terrible they almost lacked description?

Wonder no more.

Barker's Weaveworld is one of the best fantasy novels of all time. Honestly, Barker writes better fantasy than most classic fantasy authors. Great and Secret Show, Imajica, and Everville as well as Weaveworld are among the least acclaimed and overlooked books in the genre. Why he's not mentioned in the same breath as Rice, Anthony, Gaiman is beyond me.

Oh, right. That whole crappy horror movie thing. I forgot.

At any rate, this isn't going to be a shock to anyone as Weaveword has been around for at least 10 years, probably 15. (I can't find the original publish date. I know I was reading a well worn copy in 1997, if that's any indication. After reading it again just recently, I've concluded that in the 10 year gap between first and second reading, very few books have come along to create such a wonderful tapestry of characterization, action, fantasy, emotion and otherworldness (new word) as this book has.

What's wonderful about Barker's non-horror books is that the protagonists always start out as painfully ordinary folk. They are literally your friends and neighbors. They are insurance agents, and art gallery workers and postmen. They have names like Susan and Fletcher. They take place in run down places like London's west side and Omaha, Nebraska. He then turns them into magic wielding heroes and villains with all the artistry of an impressionist master. Each character gradually descends into madness or spiritual cleansing all the while perpetually running from creatures that defy imagination or hunting prey that will promote their godhood.

Weaveworld's basic principle is no great leap. It's still has The Hero, The Heroine, The Monster, and The Bad Guy. It's still mainly about The Heroes sacrifice and character shift from regular Joe to Super Joe by way of realizing his faults and making the right choices along the way. It's a classic structure. What makes it special is the details. The enormity within the hidden nature of fairy.

And like all fantasy stories, each character goes through enough strife as to fell ordinary humans. The amount of abuse each person (good and bad alike) takes borders on the ridiculous, and yet they soldier on. Another beauty about Barker's writing is that while you completely understand that the antagonists are evil, you don't completely side with the heroes. There are points in which something the good guys do or say really makes you want to have their heads bashed in. His villains are charming and witty and you almost wish them to succeed. That's why he has The Monster.

Ever since Books of the Blood I've understood that Barker can make monsters so unbelievable that there's no way to imagine them. I've tried. The Scourge is no exception. As many hints and tells as he gives in trying to describe the beast, you know that the grandeur of it absolutely eschews our ability to render it mentally. It's this immensity that is infectious. It's the idea that even in a run down house in London, there are forces so enormous that they could bring down a society.

Given that Barker recreates his worlds with each story, rabid fans of classic Elf/Troll/Wizard fantasy might find it (ironically) too outlandish to be considered good fiction. But I implore you to read it. I hear tell that there's a second book, but I cannot vouch for it's quality. Don't spoil it by thinking about sequels. Leave this story to itself and enjoy the ride.