Book Review – Scorch Atlas by Blake Butler

Scorch Atlas is a collection of linked stories. Unlike other post-apocalyptic books this one doesn’t take place after the event and then mention it, talk about or allude to it. This book takes place as the event is happening. The characters don’t know what it is that is happening and the structure of the story, the writing style, the variety of forms used and the design of the book all collude to instill in the reader the same fear and confusion that they feel.

Scorch Atlas is like The Book of Revelations written in first person.

The design of the book is stunning. It’s got the shape of a travel guide and the entire thing is designed to look like it has been to hell and back. The exterior of the book is stressed, the inside has the look of wrinkled paper, is “stained” with water and blood and the edges of the pages are charred black. A book, as physical object, that survived the event. You’ll want to wash your hands after touching it. Big props to Zach Dodson the designer.

[View with PicLens]

This is a very cool book!

About Brian

Brian loves both kinds of books -- fiction and non-fiction. He is an all around book john and reviewing roustabout. His semi-regular columns at BSC include BSC Radar Screen, The Electric Mayhem, Conversations with the Bookless and Short Thoughts on Short Fiction. He blogs at Observations From the Balcony.