Sex & Death

There are many diversions, tangents and deflections. As he admitted himself, this journal is the very definition of a moral hazard. Worse still, he addresses the reader directly. Yes, the fourth wall is breached on several occasions. He ignored my entreaties in this regard. Bugger off, whose story is this, I believe, was his response.

My fondest wish, he remarked, has always been to guide the reader through the many perilous stations towards sex, death and French doors. I hope this volume, amounting to a mere 157 pages, displays his many great and not-so-great thoughts. Upon presenting him with the finished draft, he slurred – seek the light – before passing out. All the lights were off in his house, so perhaps that is all he meant.

Sharon

These 34 notes are engaging and quite humorous musings by the main character Sebastian Field-Marshall – what a great name! With many delightful yet ludicrously improbable situations one is reminded that this is a work of fiction and should be approached as such. Characters Sebastian and Phyllida as a couple knit the chapters/34 notes together into a story with each chapter themed around various speculations about relationships, sex and dying that are unexpectedly enjoyable to read. Chris Dreyfus certainly seems to have enjoyed the writing process immensely as he unashamedly ponders the value of words and language. One of my favourite ‘notes’ is in chapter two on ‘The value of words’ – “I’ve been told I have a tendency to use a $10 word where a 50c one would suffice” – which made me laugh out loud – as did many other parts of this book but also reminds one of the wealth of the English language. I loved the scene in the Op-Shop where Sebastian re-lives his youth and penchant for corduroy. There are moments of comedy, tragedy and, as Dreyfus indicates on the back cover, travesty. “Sex and Death: A Farce in 34 Notes” is a great read, full of energy and vigour.