Pixel Juice

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 show more 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. show less

A collection of short stories set mainly in the Manchester universe the author used for previous books if at various timelines and some cameo appearances by characters you may recognise if you've read some of Noon's other work. Ranging in length from barely a page to almost 30 pages long but some of these get revisited as you progress through the book. Topics range from a shopping expedition, sex dolls, fighting DJ's and lots more weird and wonderful snippets abound.

Ususally with short story collections I read them in chunks maybe around another novel or three but I felt this one benefited from a straight through read as some of the later selections do tie in with some of the previous ones and so if read piecemeal then that connection show more might be diminished or forgotten entirely. Sometimes short stories are a good setting off point for an author that you haven't tried before but I wouldn't recommend that here. A read of Vurt at least would certainly benefit any reader tackling this one. show less

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 show more 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. show less

Noon's no Rucker.

Johnny loves Metaphorazine. Every clockwork day.

"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/0800jeffnooninterzone.php (Linked on Sept 27th, 2008)