Friday 21 June 2013

The Atrocity Exhibition by J.G. Ballard

 

"Science is the ultimate pornography, analytic activity whose main aim is to isolate objects or events from their contexts in time and space."

 
This is perhaps one of those instances where the cover can be a little deceptive. Opening the pages of this 'novel' is akin to walking into a challenging exhibition. The imagery is dense and further explained by the updated annotations. Regardless of the vivid descriptions there is a sense of remove, like walking through the exhibition and wondering where the unifying story is. I much prefer Ballard's other more traditionally structured works which share themes whilst employing more of a narrative focus.
 
An appreciation of the craft deployed is not enough for me to give this a phenomenal score.  3 out of 5 flashes of brilliance but  no real cohesion.

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