Katia’s review of The End of Everything > Likes and Comments
50 likes · Like
Intriguing review and thought-provoking comparison with Ali Smith's fiction, dear Katia. This might be more subtle, but also sounds far more grim than Smith's seasonal quartet. It also seems a very clever novel, I loved the 'easter eggs' that you found in it. Your reflections on Cassandra are so poignant in the light of the current wildfires in the Belgian High Fens and the criminal negligence/indifference of the government during the heatwaves, (Belgium recorded Europe’s highest excess mortality rate during the late-June heatwave). Sticking one's head in the sand won't help. Having read nor dystopian fiction, Ballard or Krasznahorkai, it is perhaps time to turn to contemporary fiction, like this one that you analysed persuasively.
Ilse wrote: "Intriguing review and thought-provoking comparison with Ali Smith's fiction, dear Katia. This might be more subtle, but also sounds far more grim than Smith's seasonal quartet. It also seems a very..."
Thank you, dear Ilse. It is certainly a clever novel though it has grown on me slowly. I normally do not read dystopian fiction as I do not see the point (put it very bluntly). But this one is not that dystopian as a kind of variant of our present I would say (well apart from the most macabre elements I would hope). But he writes about the stuff that is already there more or less. At least one can read it that way. It is dark, but I would not call it grim. The violence is grotesque so it only shocks but does not penetrate deeper. But the novel is luminous as well to an extent and it is genially befuddling. So it is not a bad of combination. I've mentioned Ali Smith, but it is more comparable with Balard. Ali Smith was more into intertextuality and political declarations. This definite avoids taking sides. I also think that unlike Smith he is not interested developing his characters that much, it is more about the whole, atmosphere, the world. Also this adaptability of human race to any stupid conditions is very well shown. (For better or worse?)
I am sorry to hear about the response to fires in Belgium (or almost total absence of it), I've heard in the news and was shocked by the scale of this disaster. I hope some lessons would be learned. But the more I live the more I think we should rely on the government much less as a society. We should find the way to self-organise better. And individually try to do less harm (all known stuff which I am sure you are doing already anyway). I know it is easy to type from home and do nothing more. But the government in the western democracies seem to be captured at the moment by populism and vested interest. Maybe it was the case before as well, but now there is less hypocrisy, I am not sure.
Anyway, to finish on a bit better note, it seems to that the rain is finally coming this week.
This sounds like a sobering read, Katia—and especially so if you were reading it during a heatwave caused by climate change. But like the aunt in the book, it is so easy to just be an observer and not act. We read 'the writing on the wall', we hear the prophecies that modern day Cassandras have made, and we continue on with our lives so blithely.
Fionnuala wrote: "This sounds like a sobering read, Katia—and especially so if you were reading it during a heatwave caused by climate change. But like the aunt in the book, it is so easy to just be an observer and ..."
Indeed, Fionnuala. Though, I did not find this book all dark and grim at all. There is also this: "The world’s over. But that doesn’t matter. Because another one will be along soon enough." So far, any end was a beginning for some who survived:-) Also there are so many levels in a society: individual, local, national etc. And in some way each of us is constrained by this. As an individual there is as much as one can do. It does not mean passivity, but understanding of the limits and the consequences I guess. But interestingly, this novel and the novels of for example Krasznahorkai or even Orwell and Beckett for me contain a bit of an optimistic note (for a humanity as a whole, not individually): in the words of Edgar's from Kings Lear:
'The worst is not so long as we can say 'This is the worst,'
M John Harrison did the BBC radio show today where an author cites three books that influenced their novel, and one of his picks for this was a Ballard novel, The Drought.
Paul wrote: "M John Harrison did the BBC radio show today where an author cites three books that influenced their novel, and one of his picks for this was a Ballard novel, The Drought."
Oh, thank you, Paul. That is interesting. I’ve suspected he should be a fan. I have read only ‘High Rise’ quite a while ago. But even on this limited basis I felt strong Ballard’s echoes here. The rich seem to be hiding in some special buildings. And almost immediately I’ve recalled Ballard’s opening of that novel:
’Later, as he sat on his balcony eating the dog, Dr Robert Laing reflected on the unusual events that had taken place within this huge apartment building during the previous three months.’
Harrison’s first sentence seemed to have a similar semi-absurd grabbing vibe.
I need to check “Drought’. What was the other two then?
For his three influences M. John Harrison chose: The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham which was published in 1961 and released as a film two years later; Drought by J. G. Ballard from 1965; and a short story called The Same Dog by Robert Aickman from 1974.
Paul wrote: "For his three influences M. John Harrison chose: The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham which was published in 1961 and released as a film two years later; Drought by J. G. Ballard from 1965; and ..."
Thank you. I've heard of Wyndham but have not read him and I do not think I've heard of Aickman at all. Interestingly the story is about the dog as well.
Worth a listen to the programme - he also mentions that he knows more of what is going on (e.g. what the artefacts are) than the characters do.
Can't post a link but google Take Four Books M John Harrison
Paul wrote: "Worth a listen to the programme - he also mentions that he knows more of what is going on (e.g. what the artefacts are) than the characters do.
Can't post a link but google Take Four Books M John ..."
Thank you, I will look up, no worries. I thought he has left enough hints in terms of the artefacts in the second part. But I will listen - maybe I am totally wrong:-)
Paul wrote: "Worth a listen to the programme - he also mentions that he knows more of what is going on (e.g. what the artefacts are) than the characters do.
Can't post a link but google Take Four Books M John ..."
I've listened to the conversation. Thank you for directing me there, Paul. In general, I am pleased what I have written about this book before hand. Only I seemed to pick up what is according to him the Ballardian message: a catastrophe happens and then something new would start. While he seems to be more of a doomer on that front at the moment (though not in relation to his writing and popularity it seems). Another thing he was saying was interesting about that short story with the dog and how it has prompted him to take out more stuff and live his text for the reader to feel 'the residuals'. I am not sure how successful it was, especially as far as 'horror' element goes. He has left too much as far as I am concerned:-) But this has reminded me of the writer who is absolutely good at it:
Naiyer Masud
It is amazing what he does in this vain. Allegedly he was writing his stories and then physically taking out connections, actions etc. The result is superb eerie, real residual! Just truly 'an artefact of a story'.
And in terms of the artefacts, I think my 'interpretation' is good enough. I am not particularly interested to go further. He mentioned it is an organic matter fished from the sea. One can further speculate that it was a residue, an unattended by-product of an attempt to produce a kind of cloned spare parts for a hybrid of human/AI; the material that now can self-replicate, repair itself, has got some intelligence but need humans to steal identities etc etc. This matter seems also to be a transmitter with this igetty stuff. But philosophically it is all the same: an experiment went wrong and threatening to replace humanity with its own hybrid consciousness etc. etc.
Anyway, thanks again for pointing to this show.
Yes I think your review had already covered a lot of what he was discussing. Impressive. Will check out Masud. I did find it interesting that there are hints / he does know what is going on even if the character don’t, which I think is the sci-fi writer in him. And yes it is nice - and interesting - how much the Goldsmiths then Booker recognition means to him.
Paul wrote: "Yes I think your review had already covered a lot of what he was discussing. Impressive. Will check out Masud. I did find it interesting that there are hints / he does know what is going on even if..."
If you would be trying Mosud, please try The Occult it also known as Seemia. It is five linked short stories or a short novel. I've never read something like that. I am not sure what to make out of it, but it is properly enigmatic and eerie. I plan to re-read it yet again - it does not let you leave:-)
Yes, I am very happy for Harrison. It is such a moving and affirming story to get more widely known after the whole life of writing! I want now to read his most iconic novel The Course of the Heart. But I also hope we would have many more of his new books in future.
Well I suspect not too many more sadly although it is great he is still writing. The Course of the Heart is definitely worthwhile.
Paul wrote: "Well I suspect not too many more sadly although it is great he is still writing. The Course of the Heart is definitely worthwhile."
Let's hope for the best for him in all respects.
I have heard of John Zharrison as a gantasy author, but I have never read him. I like your reflections on our catastrophe (s?), and attitudes towards it; being a Cassandra, an observer, acceptance - typing which makes me think of the stages of Grief.
When I read Wyndham's day of the triffeds, my sense was of a person who was eager for a catastrophe, not so much maybe for a new world , so much as one in which the irritable youngish men with drive and talent would get to have harems of blind women and remake society as they wished. Harrison's vision sounds more interesting.
From a recent Guardian interview about winning the Goldsmith
“I felt so relieved. I had a drink or two and fell asleep. I relaxed for the first time in about 40 years. I thought: ‘I won a proper prize. I can go to sleep now.’”
And from the Goldsmith Prize website looking back on the first 10 years
“Winning the Goldsmiths Prize meant a change in the way I viewed myself; a vindication of fifty years hard work; and a renewed sense that, even at seventy-five years old, I could continue to develop, both as a writer and a professional reader.
Jan-Maat wrote: "I have heard of John Zharrison as a gantasy author, but I have never read him. I like your reflections on our catastrophe (s?), and attitudes towards it; being a Cassandra, an observer, acceptance ..."
Thanks Jann. I've gathered his work is split between literary fiction and sort of speculative fiction, probably more sci-fi and than fantasy, but I am not very well versed in that world to make a firm difference. He also has written for LRBs and such pubs. Stages of grief might be an apt comparison in this business. Only ideally one would do something at least on a personal level if one still can before just grieving. But it is a complicated issue - no question. The book is interesting though in any case as a a book.
So you've read Wyndham! I have not heard about this novel, but in BBC program he said it was absolutely iconic and inspired him. He talked about some blinds and GM fruits. Together with your description, I might avoid it:-)
Gumble's Yard - Golden Reviewer wrote: "From a recent Guardian interview about winning the Goldsmith
“I felt so relieved. I had a drink or two and fell asleep. I relaxed for the first time in about 40 years. I thought: ‘I won a proper ..."
Thank you, GY. He said something similar in this conversation Paul has recommended as well. It is very encouraging and moving that he has felt that all this recognition has changed how he consider himself as a writer, that he could be inspired to be a 'different' writer because of that in such a solid age and keeps growing professionally because of that as well.
Katia wrote: "Jan-Maat wrote: "I have heard of John Zharrison as a gantasy author, but I have never read him. I like your reflections on our catastrophe (s?), and attitudes towards it; being a Cassandra, an obse..."
Day of the trifffeds has some interesting elements; cold war fears, yeah literally GM fears with monster vegetables attacking people, it is not very long, slightly peculiar.
It might be a good place to start with climate fiction?!
Terry prachett used to joke that the difference between fantasy and science-fiction is what the women's underwear is made out of on the front cover of the book; if it is leather, then it is fantasy, if it is metallic then it is science-fiction.
Jan-Maat wrote: "Katia wrote: "Jan-Maat wrote: "I have heard of John Zharrison as a gantasy author, but I have never read him. I like your reflections on our catastrophe (s?), and attitudes towards it; being a Cass..."
Well, I do not think I would necessarily become a fan of reading climate fiction - I experience it at first hand:-) And you've yet again made me laugh loud! I've checked the covers for both Wyndham's and Harrison books - not conclusive:-)) No women on the cover at alll, never mind in lingerie:-) Only triffeds with sort of effeminate man surrounded by flowers. I guess it is closer to fantasy then by this criteria:-))
back to top
date
newest »
newest »
message 1:
by
Ilse
(new)
Aug 18, 2026 02:52AM
Intriguing review and thought-provoking comparison with Ali Smith's fiction, dear Katia. This might be more subtle, but also sounds far more grim than Smith's seasonal quartet. It also seems a very clever novel, I loved the 'easter eggs' that you found in it. Your reflections on Cassandra are so poignant in the light of the current wildfires in the Belgian High Fens and the criminal negligence/indifference of the government during the heatwaves, (Belgium recorded Europe’s highest excess mortality rate during the late-June heatwave). Sticking one's head in the sand won't help. Having read nor dystopian fiction, Ballard or Krasznahorkai, it is perhaps time to turn to contemporary fiction, like this one that you analysed persuasively.
reply
|
flag
Ilse wrote: "Intriguing review and thought-provoking comparison with Ali Smith's fiction, dear Katia. This might be more subtle, but also sounds far more grim than Smith's seasonal quartet. It also seems a very..."Thank you, dear Ilse. It is certainly a clever novel though it has grown on me slowly. I normally do not read dystopian fiction as I do not see the point (put it very bluntly). But this one is not that dystopian as a kind of variant of our present I would say (well apart from the most macabre elements I would hope). But he writes about the stuff that is already there more or less. At least one can read it that way. It is dark, but I would not call it grim. The violence is grotesque so it only shocks but does not penetrate deeper. But the novel is luminous as well to an extent and it is genially befuddling. So it is not a bad of combination. I've mentioned Ali Smith, but it is more comparable with Balard. Ali Smith was more into intertextuality and political declarations. This definite avoids taking sides. I also think that unlike Smith he is not interested developing his characters that much, it is more about the whole, atmosphere, the world. Also this adaptability of human race to any stupid conditions is very well shown. (For better or worse?)
I am sorry to hear about the response to fires in Belgium (or almost total absence of it), I've heard in the news and was shocked by the scale of this disaster. I hope some lessons would be learned. But the more I live the more I think we should rely on the government much less as a society. We should find the way to self-organise better. And individually try to do less harm (all known stuff which I am sure you are doing already anyway). I know it is easy to type from home and do nothing more. But the government in the western democracies seem to be captured at the moment by populism and vested interest. Maybe it was the case before as well, but now there is less hypocrisy, I am not sure.
Anyway, to finish on a bit better note, it seems to that the rain is finally coming this week.
This sounds like a sobering read, Katia—and especially so if you were reading it during a heatwave caused by climate change. But like the aunt in the book, it is so easy to just be an observer and not act. We read 'the writing on the wall', we hear the prophecies that modern day Cassandras have made, and we continue on with our lives so blithely.
Fionnuala wrote: "This sounds like a sobering read, Katia—and especially so if you were reading it during a heatwave caused by climate change. But like the aunt in the book, it is so easy to just be an observer and ..."Indeed, Fionnuala. Though, I did not find this book all dark and grim at all. There is also this: "The world’s over. But that doesn’t matter. Because another one will be along soon enough." So far, any end was a beginning for some who survived:-) Also there are so many levels in a society: individual, local, national etc. And in some way each of us is constrained by this. As an individual there is as much as one can do. It does not mean passivity, but understanding of the limits and the consequences I guess. But interestingly, this novel and the novels of for example Krasznahorkai or even Orwell and Beckett for me contain a bit of an optimistic note (for a humanity as a whole, not individually): in the words of Edgar's from Kings Lear:
'The worst is not so long as we can say 'This is the worst,'
M John Harrison did the BBC radio show today where an author cites three books that influenced their novel, and one of his picks for this was a Ballard novel, The Drought.
Paul wrote: "M John Harrison did the BBC radio show today where an author cites three books that influenced their novel, and one of his picks for this was a Ballard novel, The Drought."Oh, thank you, Paul. That is interesting. I’ve suspected he should be a fan. I have read only ‘High Rise’ quite a while ago. But even on this limited basis I felt strong Ballard’s echoes here. The rich seem to be hiding in some special buildings. And almost immediately I’ve recalled Ballard’s opening of that novel:
’Later, as he sat on his balcony eating the dog, Dr Robert Laing reflected on the unusual events that had taken place within this huge apartment building during the previous three months.’
Harrison’s first sentence seemed to have a similar semi-absurd grabbing vibe.
I need to check “Drought’. What was the other two then?
For his three influences M. John Harrison chose: The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham which was published in 1961 and released as a film two years later; Drought by J. G. Ballard from 1965; and a short story called The Same Dog by Robert Aickman from 1974.
Paul wrote: "For his three influences M. John Harrison chose: The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham which was published in 1961 and released as a film two years later; Drought by J. G. Ballard from 1965; and ..."Thank you. I've heard of Wyndham but have not read him and I do not think I've heard of Aickman at all. Interestingly the story is about the dog as well.
Worth a listen to the programme - he also mentions that he knows more of what is going on (e.g. what the artefacts are) than the characters do.Can't post a link but google Take Four Books M John Harrison
Paul wrote: "Worth a listen to the programme - he also mentions that he knows more of what is going on (e.g. what the artefacts are) than the characters do.Can't post a link but google Take Four Books M John ..."
Thank you, I will look up, no worries. I thought he has left enough hints in terms of the artefacts in the second part. But I will listen - maybe I am totally wrong:-)
Paul wrote: "Worth a listen to the programme - he also mentions that he knows more of what is going on (e.g. what the artefacts are) than the characters do.Can't post a link but google Take Four Books M John ..."
I've listened to the conversation. Thank you for directing me there, Paul. In general, I am pleased what I have written about this book before hand. Only I seemed to pick up what is according to him the Ballardian message: a catastrophe happens and then something new would start. While he seems to be more of a doomer on that front at the moment (though not in relation to his writing and popularity it seems). Another thing he was saying was interesting about that short story with the dog and how it has prompted him to take out more stuff and live his text for the reader to feel 'the residuals'. I am not sure how successful it was, especially as far as 'horror' element goes. He has left too much as far as I am concerned:-) But this has reminded me of the writer who is absolutely good at it:
Naiyer Masud
It is amazing what he does in this vain. Allegedly he was writing his stories and then physically taking out connections, actions etc. The result is superb eerie, real residual! Just truly 'an artefact of a story'.
And in terms of the artefacts, I think my 'interpretation' is good enough. I am not particularly interested to go further. He mentioned it is an organic matter fished from the sea. One can further speculate that it was a residue, an unattended by-product of an attempt to produce a kind of cloned spare parts for a hybrid of human/AI; the material that now can self-replicate, repair itself, has got some intelligence but need humans to steal identities etc etc. This matter seems also to be a transmitter with this igetty stuff. But philosophically it is all the same: an experiment went wrong and threatening to replace humanity with its own hybrid consciousness etc. etc.
Anyway, thanks again for pointing to this show.
Yes I think your review had already covered a lot of what he was discussing. Impressive. Will check out Masud. I did find it interesting that there are hints / he does know what is going on even if the character don’t, which I think is the sci-fi writer in him. And yes it is nice - and interesting - how much the Goldsmiths then Booker recognition means to him.
Paul wrote: "Yes I think your review had already covered a lot of what he was discussing. Impressive. Will check out Masud. I did find it interesting that there are hints / he does know what is going on even if..."If you would be trying Mosud, please try The Occult it also known as Seemia. It is five linked short stories or a short novel. I've never read something like that. I am not sure what to make out of it, but it is properly enigmatic and eerie. I plan to re-read it yet again - it does not let you leave:-)
Yes, I am very happy for Harrison. It is such a moving and affirming story to get more widely known after the whole life of writing! I want now to read his most iconic novel The Course of the Heart. But I also hope we would have many more of his new books in future.
Well I suspect not too many more sadly although it is great he is still writing. The Course of the Heart is definitely worthwhile.
Paul wrote: "Well I suspect not too many more sadly although it is great he is still writing. The Course of the Heart is definitely worthwhile."Let's hope for the best for him in all respects.
I have heard of John Zharrison as a gantasy author, but I have never read him. I like your reflections on our catastrophe (s?), and attitudes towards it; being a Cassandra, an observer, acceptance - typing which makes me think of the stages of Grief.When I read Wyndham's day of the triffeds, my sense was of a person who was eager for a catastrophe, not so much maybe for a new world , so much as one in which the irritable youngish men with drive and talent would get to have harems of blind women and remake society as they wished. Harrison's vision sounds more interesting.
From a recent Guardian interview about winning the Goldsmith “I felt so relieved. I had a drink or two and fell asleep. I relaxed for the first time in about 40 years. I thought: ‘I won a proper prize. I can go to sleep now.’”
And from the Goldsmith Prize website looking back on the first 10 years
“Winning the Goldsmiths Prize meant a change in the way I viewed myself; a vindication of fifty years hard work; and a renewed sense that, even at seventy-five years old, I could continue to develop, both as a writer and a professional reader.
Jan-Maat wrote: "I have heard of John Zharrison as a gantasy author, but I have never read him. I like your reflections on our catastrophe (s?), and attitudes towards it; being a Cassandra, an observer, acceptance ..."Thanks Jann. I've gathered his work is split between literary fiction and sort of speculative fiction, probably more sci-fi and than fantasy, but I am not very well versed in that world to make a firm difference. He also has written for LRBs and such pubs. Stages of grief might be an apt comparison in this business. Only ideally one would do something at least on a personal level if one still can before just grieving. But it is a complicated issue - no question. The book is interesting though in any case as a a book.
So you've read Wyndham! I have not heard about this novel, but in BBC program he said it was absolutely iconic and inspired him. He talked about some blinds and GM fruits. Together with your description, I might avoid it:-)
Gumble's Yard - Golden Reviewer wrote: "From a recent Guardian interview about winning the Goldsmith “I felt so relieved. I had a drink or two and fell asleep. I relaxed for the first time in about 40 years. I thought: ‘I won a proper ..."
Thank you, GY. He said something similar in this conversation Paul has recommended as well. It is very encouraging and moving that he has felt that all this recognition has changed how he consider himself as a writer, that he could be inspired to be a 'different' writer because of that in such a solid age and keeps growing professionally because of that as well.
Katia wrote: "Jan-Maat wrote: "I have heard of John Zharrison as a gantasy author, but I have never read him. I like your reflections on our catastrophe (s?), and attitudes towards it; being a Cassandra, an obse..."Day of the trifffeds has some interesting elements; cold war fears, yeah literally GM fears with monster vegetables attacking people, it is not very long, slightly peculiar.
It might be a good place to start with climate fiction?!
Terry prachett used to joke that the difference between fantasy and science-fiction is what the women's underwear is made out of on the front cover of the book; if it is leather, then it is fantasy, if it is metallic then it is science-fiction.
Jan-Maat wrote: "Katia wrote: "Jan-Maat wrote: "I have heard of John Zharrison as a gantasy author, but I have never read him. I like your reflections on our catastrophe (s?), and attitudes towards it; being a Cass..."Well, I do not think I would necessarily become a fan of reading climate fiction - I experience it at first hand:-) And you've yet again made me laugh loud! I've checked the covers for both Wyndham's and Harrison books - not conclusive:-)) No women on the cover at alll, never mind in lingerie:-) Only triffeds with sort of effeminate man surrounded by flowers. I guess it is closer to fantasy then by this criteria:-))