Phosphor in Dreamland

Rikki Ducornet's novel Phosphor in Dreamland is a comic, erotic, and perverse exploration of power, madness, nature, exploitation, pornography, and art. Set on the imaginary Caribbean island of Birdland, the novel combines the violent Inquisition, the extinction of exotic fauna, and the amorous story of Phosphor and Extravaganza. Ducornet's previous novel, The Jade Cabinet, was described as "Jane Austen meets Angela Carter via Lewis Carroll." Phosphor in Dreamland is considered Ducornet's magical best.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 10 August 2023
Publisher: Dalkey Archive Press

Wildly comic, erotically charged, and perversely subversive, Rikki Ducornet's dazzling novel, Phosphor in Dreamland, delves into the intricate interplay between power, madness, nature, exploitation, pornography, and art. Set on the fictional Caribbean island of Birdland, the novel takes the form of a series of letters from a current resident to an old friend, chronicling the island's seventeenth-century history. This history weaves together the violent Inquisition, the heedless extinction of the island's exotic fauna, and the passionate tale of the deformed artist-philosopher-inventor Phosphor and his impassioned, obsessive love for the beautiful Extravaganza.

The Jade Cabinet, Ducornet's critically acclaimed work that was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award, has been described by one reviewer as "Jane Austen meets Angela Carter via Lewis Carroll." In Phosphor in Dreamland, Ducornet pushes the boundaries of imagination even further, creating a literary masterpiece that blends the whimsical wit of Jonathan Swift with the dark surrealism of Angela Carter and the mind-bending intricacies of Jorge Luis Borges. This is Ducornet at her most magical and captivating.

Through its vivid portrayal of Birdland and its inhabitants, Phosphor in Dreamland offers a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition. It questions the nature of power, the consequences of exploitation, the boundaries between art and pornography, and the complexities of love and obsession. Ducornet's writing is characterized by its poetic prose, rich imagery, and intricate narrative structure, which keeps the reader engaged and intrigued from beginning to end.

One of the most striking aspects of Phosphor in Dreamland is its portrayal of the island's history. The novel seamlessly weaves together historical events, mythical creatures, and fantastical elements, creating a tapestry of imagination that is both captivating and unsettling. The Inquisition, for instance, is depicted as a dark and oppressive force, while the extinction of the island's fauna is portrayed as a tragic loss of biodiversity. At the same time, Phosphor's love for Extravaganza is portrayed as a pure and transcendent expression of human emotion, despite the deformities that mark him as an outcast.

Another notable aspect of the novel is its exploration of the relationship between madness and creativity. Phosphor, as the deformed artist-philosopher-inventor, is a character who is both brilliant and deranged. His love for Extravaganza is driven by his obsessions and his desire to create a masterpiece that will transcend the limitations of his physical and mental condition. Ducornet delves into the complexities of the human mind, exploring the ways in which madness can inspire innovation and creativity, while also leading to destruction and self-destruction.

The novel also raises important questions about the nature of art and the role of the artist in society. Phosphor's art is both beautiful and grotesque, reflecting the dual nature of his personality and the island's history. Ducornet challenges the traditional notion of art as a purely aesthetic or ornamental pursuit, instead suggesting that art can be a powerful tool for social and political commentary. Through Phosphor's art, Ducornet explores the ways in which art can be used to challenge oppressive systems of power, promote empathy and understanding, and inspire change.

In conclusion, Phosphor in Dreamland is a masterpiece of literary fiction that pushes the boundaries of imagination and thought. Through its vivid portrayal of Birdland and its inhabitants, its exploration of power, madness, nature, exploitation, pornography, and art, and its examination of the relationship between madness and creativity, the novel offers a profound and thought-provoking reflection on the human condition. Rikki Ducornet's writing is characterized by its poetic prose, rich imagery, and intricate narrative structure, which keeps the reader engaged and intrigued from beginning to end. This is a novel that will be cherished by readers for years to come.

Weight: 272g
Dimension: 140 x 217 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781628974430