Strange Stones by Edward Lee and Mary SanGiovanni
January 2005
Clash Books
140 pages
Horror / Cosmic Horror / Comedy
Professor Everard could be named simply; Ever Hard… that’s one of my favorite things about Ed Lee’s writing; his character naming conventions. Many may expect the horn dog rants, explicit sexuality, or transgressive gore are the plums. It may sound odd to some people to say I enjoy Edward Lee’s writing for his literary prowess; something that many would also say about Mary SanGiovanni.
I own around 20 Edward Lee books on my shelf and no SanGiovanni at all which has me at a deficit in weighing each author’s work properly, however; I’ve heard Mary SanGiovanni speak on various podcasts and panels on horror and the cosmic.
I wish I knew how the writing split between each author. It’s hard to tell where he ends and she begins. But the enjoyment of this book is really not about that – or Professor Ever Hard – it’s about waking up in a world where Lovecraft’s creations were real. Our gutter-minded Professor has a run in with femme fatale Asenath. She turns out to be a spite filled witch who has the power to send him straight into the Mythos.
As fun as it is to read about a convention like NecronomiCon turned on its head in fiction it’s even more fun to explore the portions of Providence and other Lovecraftian maps from the backstage. To show up right before or right after a story that we all know well is a fascinating idea. And of course, to have it amped up with a little tongue in cheek or grotesque fun is a real cherry on top.
While the book is quite short – I would have loved to see more exploration of some of my favorite places or people within Lovecraft’s literary landscape – at least it does not overstay its welcome. A really fun romp for those who enjoyed previous work concerning The Shining Trapezohedron and things on darkened doorsteps.
I read an advance review copy from Clash books. Thank you Clash Books!