When I found out that László Krasznahorkai had a new book coming out in November--the 2nd of, which was just yesterday as of this writing--my heart leaped up. Then I checked out the details online-- 96 pages, $19.95--& my heart settled down a bit. That's a lot of money for a little book. For me, anyway. So I started checking the library. I was pretty sure that they would get a copy at some point, since they have procured most of his books, but it took awhile for Chasing Homer to appear. When it did, I placed a request for it. And was surprised to see that I was 1 of 1 requesting it. That isn't how it usually goes with a brand new book. (And I'm sad to say that it never got beyond 1 of 2, so obviously there aren't a hell of a lot of Krasznahorkai fans in the Louisville area.)
Much to my surprise, the book came in on the 3rd of November, a mere day after its publication date, and I picked it up immediately. I'm in the midst of reading a lot of other books right now, but I still had to pop this one open to look under the hood, then take a quick spin around the block.
Under the hood...well. The text starts on page 11 and ends on page 91, so it's "really" only 80 pages. But wait. 19 of those are full-page drawings, and there's one completely blank page, so let's make that 60 pages. There are also some less than full pages, but let's leave it at that and just say that this is really more of a short story...or at best a novella...and sorry to say, but that's a little disappointing. I am grateful to the Louisville Free Public Library for letting me read it for free, though.
As for the spin around the block, I read the first chapter (which was only a few pages) and it was interesting enough. A bit of a chase, as one might expect given the title. Also, there's a QR code at the beginning of each chapter, and scanning it takes you to a page with music which has been composed for each chapter. I thought that a rather nice idea--at least in theory. In practice, it left a bit to be desired. Or at least the first one did. It was only 33 seconds long, for one thing...which was not nearly long enough to use as background music as I read the chapter. For another thing, it was just drums. I was hoping for a bit more than that.
Also, every chapter has a QR code to scan, but they all take you to the same online "page," which I also thought a bit odd. Why did we need more than one code if that's the case? But perhaps that's just for convenience's sake. Speaking of, if you can't scan a QR code, there is also a list of internet addresses you can visit to play the music. Or "music" if this drum thing continues.
ANYway...I am hoping to knock the rest of the "book" out in short order. Just wanted to drop this to let "you" know that (1) the book is out and (2) unless money is no object, you might want to try out the library for this one. And if your library isn't holding it, interlibrary loan can do wondrous things, and is worth a try. Or you could suggest that your library buy a copy. The LFPL makes it very easy to do both of those things (i-loan and suggest buy, that is). Just sayin', sir.
More news as it happens.
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