Book Review | Saint Sebastian's Abyss
- Greg McNeilly
- Jun 2, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 19
SAINT SEBASTIAN’S ABYSS: A Novel | Mark Haber, Coffee House Press (2022), 160p.
If you need a satirical escape into a faux-teleological art debate, this novel is for you.
Thoroughly entertaining and creative in its recursive narration, Saint Sebastian’s Abyss takes the reader on a trans-Atlantic flight as two former colleagues move towards reconciliation, and one lies on his deathbed in Berlin.
In the novella Saint Sebastian's Abyss, Mark Haber delves deep into art, philosophy, and human relationships. The story unfolds in a stream-of-consciousness style, masterfully using recursive narration to guide the reader through thought-provoking musings and reflections.
The tale begins with two former colleagues, now estranged, who are brought together by fate as one of them lies on his deathbed in Berlin. The narrator, whose identity remains unknown throughout the story, recounts the events that led them to this point, weaving a rich tapestry of memories, observations, and philosophical ponderings.
One of the novella’s central themes is the world of art curation and criticism, which Haber lampoons with great skill and humor. Through a fictional Dutch Renaissance painter, he crafts a vivid caricature that pokes fun at the pretenses and absurdities of the art world. This satirical romp serves as a backdrop to the more profound questions the story raises, drawing the reader to contemplate the nature of art itself.
As the narrative progresses, the lines between reality and fiction blur, leaving the reader wondering what is true and what is mere imagination. This clever device allows Haber to explore the notion of truth and its relationship to art, raising questions about the role of the artist and the critic in shaping our understanding of the world.
In addition to its clever narrative structure and biting satire, Saint Sebastian's Abyss grapples with weightier existential concerns. The characters' interactions and musings touch on mortality, faith, and the search for meaning in life. Readers can reflect on the characters’ existence and choices as they struggle to accept their past mistakes and regrets.
Throughout the novella, Haber remarkably balances depth and brevity, packing profound ideas into concise sentences that never feel forced or heavy-handed. His writing style is reminiscent of authors like Camus and early Hesse, with a similar sense of urgency and introspection.
One of the most compelling aspects of Saint Sebastian's Abyss is its ability to challenge the reader without ever feeling didactic or condescending. Haber presents multiple perspectives and viewpoints, leaving it to the reader to piece together their understanding of the themes and ideas presented. This approach makes for a thoroughly engaging read that will likely leave readers eager to revisit specific passages and ponder the more significant questions.
Ultimately, Saint Sebastian's Abyss is a work of literature that defies easy categorization. Part satire, part philosophical treatise, part character study, the novella is greater than the sum of its parts, offering a reading experience that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. Those looking for a quick, thought-provoking read that will stay with them long after they finish the last page would do well to pick up a copy of this entrancing work.
As a novella, it is tight and fast-paced, reminiscent of the style of Camus or early Hesse. It brings the reader to face questions: what is art and what is not? What is the sum of one’s life’s work? What is belief, the abyss (annihilation), and the value of salvation? When do focal obsessions obscure the importance of breadth?
Someone with razor wit who can poke fun at art like this novel is its patron. If you enjoy dark, nerdy, and satirical intellectual jest, grab this one - you can start and finish it at the beach.
QUOTES
"Art is the only thing that can save us from the abyss."
"The abyss is not a place; it’s a state of mind."
"We're all just trying to find our way out of the abyss, but we're all going in different directions."
"Beauty is a trick of light."
"The only thing worse than being forgotten is being remembered for something you didn't do."
"There's no such thing as a happy ending, only moments of reprieve."
