BLACK RIVER LANTERN

Dark, sinister forces surround a seasonal carnival and its disturbing owner in this debut supernatural novel.

The Marivicos Summerlong Carnivalé Festival is a popular event in the American city of Kayjigville. Papa Marivicos took over the carnival from his father, but his son, Eddie, is less enthusiastic regarding the family business. In fact, a little over two years ago, Eddie ran away, met a woman, and got married only for Papa to track him down and bring him back. But since returning, Eddie has apparently developed telepathy. Displaying his gift at the carnival attracts large crowds, though the overload of people’s thoughts tends to make him physically ill. Eddie finds solace in Lexi, who works at a local brothel and whose thoughts, for some reason, he mercifully can’t hear. Elsewhere in Kayjigville, Papa may have competition. Businesswoman Clara Guadali is certain the riverboat Commodora will draw the carnival’s patrons. But Papa is more formidable and diabolical than Clara anticipates, thanks largely to a particular book he possesses. Inside the tome are “indescribable words” that, when written in a “blood-ink inscription,” give Papa specific abilities that may surpass Eddie’s. These can be lethal powers when there’s a threat like Clara, who, in addition to taking some of his business, attempts to blackmail Papa with something she believes to be incriminating. Meanwhile, a gangster’s son tries using Eddie’s gift for his own selfish benefit. As these people’s acts ultimately jeopardize the Marivicos family, Papa’s response is potent and leaves many bodies in its wake.

Grass’ novel is mostly grim. Papa, for example, is an appalling man, with or without potential magic, and Eddie’s efforts to drown out others’ thoughts include drinking, which isn’t always effective. But parts of the book alleviate this somber tone, such as Eddie’s understated and genuinely appealing romance with Lexi. And Eddie’s carnival pal Abakoum provides some humor—his delightful ramblings showcase a refreshing bluntness. The author highlights the story with a discernible theme of fatherhood. This is bolstered by the inclusion of Dr. Chain (pronounced “Kha-Yeen”), whose simple trip to the carnival finds him embroiled with the Marivicoses. Since Dr. Chain wants children (which he and his wife are unable to have), he essentially becomes a surrogate parent to Eddie, whose father is relentlessly vicious and cruel. As the tale progresses, it elucidates Papa and Eddie’s history, which involves that enigmatic book and strained familial ties. The narrative also turns increasingly violent, and later scenes entail viscera, severed limbs, and accompanying deaths. Throughout the tale, Grass’ prose displays a sharp, confident voice flavored with indelible metaphors. Eddie, experiencing a new power, “felt as though fingers ran along the backs of his eyes, fingers laced with gunpowder—igniting and burning the insides of his orbits, flaring in excruciating bursts.” Despite illuminating moments, the narrative retains a fair amount of ambiguity, allowing for an ending that, while definitive, is open to interpretation.

A bleak family story that’s both unnerving and enthralling.