David reviewed Teatro Grottesco by Thomas Ligotti
Review of 'Teatro Grottesco' on 'Goodreads'
2 stars
“Puppets are scary. Clowns are scary. But clown puppets? Hoo Boy, don’t get me started!” - Thomas Ligotti (didn’t say this, but probably thought it at some point)
This is my second time through Teatro Grottesco, and my second time coming away with a feeling of annoyance that I wasted my time on it. It is not Ligotti’s best, and I’d have a hard time recommending it to anyone who wasn’t a rabid Ligotti fan.
Ligotti’s literary arc reminds me of the solo career of George Harrison: a stunning, quasi-legendary first album (book), followed by the questionable release of albums (books) of diminishing quality until, ultimately, all inspiration dries up. There may be a song or two that I like on Harrison’s later albums from the 70s, but it would be rare for me to listen to them in their entirety. Instead, I’d just put the songs I like …
“Puppets are scary. Clowns are scary. But clown puppets? Hoo Boy, don’t get me started!” - Thomas Ligotti (didn’t say this, but probably thought it at some point)
This is my second time through Teatro Grottesco, and my second time coming away with a feeling of annoyance that I wasted my time on it. It is not Ligotti’s best, and I’d have a hard time recommending it to anyone who wasn’t a rabid Ligotti fan.
Ligotti’s literary arc reminds me of the solo career of George Harrison: a stunning, quasi-legendary first album (book), followed by the questionable release of albums (books) of diminishing quality until, ultimately, all inspiration dries up. There may be a song or two that I like on Harrison’s later albums from the 70s, but it would be rare for me to listen to them in their entirety. Instead, I’d just put the songs I like on a playlist and forget about the ones I don’t.
Teatro Grottesco has two compelling stories (“Gas Station Carnivals”, “The Bungalow House”) and one that is just ok (“Purity”). The rest—meandering, bloodless, and bland—I don’t ever need to read again. It’s possible that Ligotti may yet stage a Harrisonesque late-career comeback. I’d love that for him. Until then, I’ll stick to the early works.
