The Ticket That Exploded

[Benny Bunter]

Last section might be the best. Interesting seeing him jump between the different formats too. The cut-ups/fold-ins with the em dashes I associate with the Nova material whereas the ellipses he starts to introduce are the way he does it in The Wild Boys. The next novel materialises as the previous fades out.

I thought that last chapter was one of the best as well, but might have been even more potent as an ending if he hadn't cut in all that later material and just kept that melancholic tone, like in that passage you quoted above - ash blown from an empty sleeve etc
That said, I really want to read the wild boys now, I'm between ordering that or cities of the red night next

 

[Benny Bunter]

So disinterest yourself in my words. Disinterest yourself in anybody's words . . In the beginning was the word and the word was bullshit. The beginning words came out on the con clawing for traction — Yes sir, boys, its hard to stop that old writing arm — more of a habit than using — Been writing these RXs five hundred thousand years and sure hate to pack you boys in with a burning down word habit — But I am of course guided by my medical ethics and the uh intervention of the Board of Health — no more — no mas — My writing arm is paralyzed — ash blown from an empty sleeve — do our work and go — Here comes the old knife sharpener in lemon sunlight blue eyes reflected from a knife blade —- blood on white steps of the sea wall — afternoon shadow in dying eyes — ay, good bye Meester —

It's like one of those world weary sentimental old man voiceovers you get at the end of old American films just before the credits roll. A parody maybe, but still affecting.

 

[Mr. Tea]

Just read a few pages while having a cheeky mid-afternoon pint.

The beer was called Butcombe Original, which seemed somehow appropriate.