Who Would Like This Book:
If you appreciate psychological explorations and beautifully poetic - even haunting - prose, this book delivers in a big way. Fans of unsettling and thought-provoking fiction, particularly those interested in philosophy, questions about humanity, and the role of language in shaping our sense of self, will find this a captivating (if chilling) read. Think along the lines of "Perfume" or "American Psycho," but with a philosophical edge.
Who May Not Like This Book:
This is not a book for the faint-hearted. The subject matter is deeply disturbing, with a protagonist who is not only unsympathetic but downright despicable. If you prefer hopeful stories, clear resolutions, or need to connect emotionally with your narrator, you might want to give this one a miss. Some readers also found the pacing uneven and felt certain sections rambled or dwelled too much on disturbing details.
About:
'The Dumb House' by John Burnside is a dark and disturbing novel that explores the themes of language, human nature, and the complexities of the soul. The story follows Luke, a reclusive man conducting experiments to see if children can develop language without exposure to it. The narrative delves into Luke's twisted character, his unusual upbringing, and his depraved activities, all while questioning the essence of communication and its role in shaping thoughts and souls. The book is written in a dreamy and poetic style, drawing readers into a chilling yet compelling tale of moral incomprehensibility.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include graphic violence, child abuse, themes of neglect, and moral depravity.
From The Publisher:
As a child, Luke's mother often tells him the story of the Dumb House, an experiment on newborn babies raised in silence, designed to test the innateness of language. As Luke grows up, his interest in language and the delicate balance of life and death leads to amateur dissections of small animals - tiny hearts revealed still pumping, as life trickles away. But as an adult, following the death of his mother, Luke's obsession deepens, resulting in a haunting and bizarre experiment on Luke's own children.
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The Dumb House?
About the Author:
John Burnside is amongst the most acclaimed writers of his generation. His novels, short stories, poetry and memoirs have won numerous awards, including the Geoffrey Faber Memorial prize, the Whitbread Poetry Award, the Encore Award and the Saltire Scottish Book of the Year. In 2011, Black Cat Bone won both the Forward and the T.S. Eliot Prizes for poetry. A judge for the Booker prize in 2015, he is a professor in the School of English at Saint Andrews University.
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