Thursbitch, though a slender volume written in a stripped-down, almost bare-bones style, is nevertheless one of the most difficult and demanding books I've read in some time, one that is beautiful, convoluted, and haunting.

The tale concerns two different threads: in the 18th Century, a packman named Jack Hunter negotiates long trips delivering supplies, strange rituals and visions, and a cultish religion that is losing ground. In the 21st Century, two geologists are examining the same valley in which Jack once died: Sal, a woman dying of a crippling neurological disease, and Ian, her caregiver and compatriot. The two threads weave together in fantastical, unexpected ways, and the novel is a mysterious endeavor until the circuitous finale that both attempts to explain the events and damn near demands another reading.

Which is not to say that multiple reads would not hold up. The text is rife with vivid language, particularly in the 18th Century segments where the dialect, though confusing, is stunningly accurate. Garner's strength is with this dialogue, for the descriptive passages tend to be straightforward but backloaded with detail. The pace takes a while to get used to, but in the end, Garner's sentences demand careful consideration at all times and stand up to such scrutiny, adding surprising depth to such a slim volume.

A challenging and thought-provoking read, probably not for everyone, but especially for those willing to be patient and methodical.

In spite of being pretentious and confusing, I liked this book for its subject matter. Maybe there really is some kind of pagan 'secret" out their in that "sentient landscape." Basically, this book is what House of Leaves would love to be. ( )

18th Century packman John Turner travels the land buying and selling across great distances, and his extraordinary life resonates in the present day, as geologists Ian and Sal explore the valley of Thursbitch and the mysteries that surround it. A cracking visionary fable that sometimes requires perseverance through dense dialects, but leaves powerful images that linger for days afterwards. ( )

The Financial Times says: "Magnificent ... A powerfully and deeply felt narrative ... Thursbitch resonates with liminal, potent songs." The Financial Times is full of it. ( )

http://books.guardian.co.uk/review/st... ( )