(4) PETER CAREY –

BLISS (1981)

“Harry Joy was to die three times, but it was his first death that was to have the greatest effect on him”.

More than a touch of fantasy – or “magical realism” as they call it in literary fiction.

Indeed, almost my favorite subgenre of fantasy, posthumous fantasy, with that first death of Harry Joy. He gets better.

But his ‘afterlife’ takes a turn for the worse.

“Written as a dark, comic fable, the story concerns an advertising executive, Harry Joy, who briefly ‘dies’ of a heart attack. On being resuscitated, he realizes that the life he has previously drifted amiably through is in fact Hell – literally so to Harry”

Resonant with mythic and symbolic imagery – one of the biggest influences on my own imagination. Not to mention one of two Australian entries in my top ten – publishing his works through the University of Queensland Press, no less.

POETRY (DRAMA)

I don’t know about poetry but Carey earns my drama ranking for the film adaptation of Bliss in 1985 as something of a cult classic, albeit award-winning (in Australia). It has subsequently been adapted to stage.

FANTASY & SF (COMEDY)

Yes – Carey earns my fantasy ranking, for that aforementioned touch of (posthumous) fantasy or magical realism.

Not the most comedic entry in my top ten but Carey also earns my comedy ranking for his dry black comedy.

RATING: 4 STARS****
A-TIER (TOP TIER)