Konkretion (Marion May Campbell, UWA Publishing)

UWA Publishing should be commended for going against the grain in publishing such a highly literary and experimental novel. And I use the word ‘novel’ here with some caution. Large parts of this book are given over to prose poetry as the novel’s central figure, Monique Piquet, delves into the work of former student, Angel, who has recently published a work on the relationship of Ulrike Meinhof and Gudrun Ensslin, two key members of the notorious German Bader Meinhof gang of the early 1970s. This complex relationship—between reader, writer and subject(s)—creates a series of layers through which we are drawn, trying to decipher the very difficult and morally ambiguous decisions taken by those with a radical past. The book also includes Monique’s own reflections on her past and current life, which are told in a sometimes humorous and sometimes tragic key. The work itself is at times a convoluted sedentary reflection that doesn’t evolve a great deal. However, much of this book can be enjoyed at the level of the fine writing found within. This is recommended for those who enjoy a challenge in their literary diet.

Shane Strange is an ex-bookseller and writer who teaches writing at the University of Canberra

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Category: Reviews