"Two things are going on when I write. One is that I'm trying to give the reader a bloody good time. And the other thing is that I'm trying to be brilliant. " -Jeff Noon

Interview as a whole:
http://www.spikemagazine.com/0800jeff... (Linked on Sept 27th, 2008)

While I am not normally a fan of short stories, I absolutely loved the tales presented in Pixel Juice.

Pixel Juice takes place in Jeff Noon's Manchester universe and contains stories touching upon the characters/plot from his other works therein. While each story is self-contained, there is an underlying coherence to Pixel Juice that ties together aspect of Noon's other works (i.e. 'Vurt', 'Pollen', 'Automated Alice', 'Nymphomation' and 'Needle in the Groove').

What I like about these short stories is that they take a single, interesting idea and explore a consequence of that idea. Noon doesn't fall into the trap of trying to write a very short novel and pass it off as a short story. The emphasis isn't on plot or characters, it's on ideas that have impact in Noon's universe and have consequently helped form the background mythology of his Manchester/Vurt setting. As a result, the stories are typically short with a very directed focus, giving them more 'staying power' with me as a reader (as opposed to other short stories).

Another interesting aspect to these stories is that Noon bounces in perspective and between first and third person views. His prose ranges from pretentious academic, to drugged-out stream of consciousness; and it's all very convincing. Noon is a true wordsmith and Pixel Juice conveys that beautifully.

If you are a fan of Noon's other works, then reading Pixel Juice is a must. While Pixel Juice can be read without reading any other book taking place in the Vurt universe, much of the subtle relevance of the stories will be lost. Overall, it's a wonderful collection full of interesting ideas and tie-ins to the Vurt universe. ( )

Very offbeat collection of short stories, loosly set in more or less the same mad-chester of the future. Vivid and slightly dark.

After re-read.

Very short stories, the longest is a few pages, some barely make it to two. Odd snap shots of a potential variety of future Manchesters. Resonates slightly better now that I live in manchester and cna appreciate the geographical references, but works well without this. It is quickly apparent that not all the stories are in the same timeline, or even same Manchester. But underlying many are repeated themes, and odd casual references to events in other stories. Worth reading in a short span so that these links remain apparent.

The book is nominally divided into 4 sections and each ends with a dub/rap haiku of the stories contained within. These are odd.

The style is odd and as might be expected in a collection varies, but most are in the first person. Very enjoyable once you are accustomed to the jumping scenes and themes. Some stories are disturbing, many other just weird. My favourites are short exerts from "The Museum of Lost Fragments" which are partial instructions from remnents of our time and manchester. ( )

Genuinely weird =D

I love this book, it goes with me on all my train journeys - lots of little bite sized (and longer) stories for those inbetween moments. I have never come across quite so many strange ideas in a book before :) ( )