13 Comments
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Jess's avatar

Thank you for organizing this.

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Colin J McCracken's avatar

It's been a genuine pleasure and I'm so happy to hear you're enjoying it 😊📚✨ Thank you very much indeed

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Aglaya Weidner's avatar

Dear Colin, I was trying to link what I wrote about Jackson hier. I just could copy the link. It is in my "Notes" section. The link is:

https://substack.com/@aprend/note/c-41133005?utm_source=notes-share-action&r=2r6emj

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Colin J McCracken's avatar

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful thoughts Aglaya.

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Phil Forsyth's avatar

Just had a thought (happens every now and again lol) as I read this wonderful story in an alternate universe is Mervin Peake the “Father” of fantasy rather than JRR Tolkien?

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Colin J McCracken's avatar

Wow...bold statement, and not one I would argue with. I feel that Tolkien may be what's known more as 'Traditional' Fantasy (swords, elves, wizards, dragons etc), whereas Peake is definitely the master of Gothic Fantasy

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Phil Forsyth's avatar

I think this is another thing I love about this book, there is no huge world building, set piece battles, wizards or dragons, but, even though it’s huge, the rather claustrophobic world of Gormenghast is no less rich than Narnia or Middle earth. The characters don’t have to be fantastical to hold our interest. I suppose maybe a lot is down to Mervyn Peake being an artist, his painting has come to life. It has provoked my thoughts and that is wonderful

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Colin J McCracken's avatar

That's an amazing breakdown Phil, and I agree completely. It's such a unique form of fantasy and, while I have no problems with dragons/goblins and such, it's so refreshing to see such a departure from them.

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Phil Forsyth's avatar

I have finally figured out how to get here. As you can imagine I’m not very tech savvy. But so glad I made it. Many thanks for thinking of and organising the book club

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Colin J McCracken's avatar

I'm so glad you've joined us Phil. You are very welcome as part of the #gothicbookclub and I hope you enjoy the experience. Thanks so much for the kind words and best wishes. It's a wonderful project to be a part of and I'm thoroughly enjoying it

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Aglaya Weidner's avatar

Thank you Colin!! Since I followed u im TikTok because of "The Third policeman" I felt captivated by your work. Now, I'll try this one!!

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Colin J McCracken's avatar

That's incredibly kind of you to say so, thank you 💚😊 I am very happy to hear you're enjoying the recommendations and I hope you continue to find some new favourites 📚✨

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Helen Carr's avatar

Delighted to be here! I'm going to catch up with some of the book club reads I've missed. I'm hoping to start with Hawk Mountain

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