Steve Weiner

Sweet England, Steve Weiner’s third novel in 18 years, follows Jack through a dream-like London. Everywhere he goes people seem to already know him, even though he doesn’t know them. He comes upon an apartment house where the landlord knows him and already has an apartment ready for him. Shortly after he moves in, a woman literally falls through his front door saying that she is his wife. She is a suicidal alcoholic and they have several fights, both verbal and physical. Meanwhile, Jack is searching for a girl that may or may not exist.

While Weiner’s first two novels were wildly hallucinogenic, filled with creative images and deep and lyrical sentences, Sweet England seemed more like you were experiencing someone’s dream. It had hardly any deep and meaningful phrases and ultimately fell flat for me. I had trouble finishing it even though it was a very short novel. It just didn’t hold my interest. This was a big letdown given how much I enjoyed and admired his first two novels.… (meer)

Surreal and darkly beautiful. Could have been written by Celine. It was only missing his three dots… Sparse staccato dialogue interspersed with hallucinogenic visions. It was as if Weiner was indicating that everything is ridiculous: war, prostitution, racism, nations, religion, love, homosexuality, God… everything is absurd. That was the message I got out the book. I am so glad that I discovered this author. It is a relief to know that someone is writing this way today. It is serious art. It not only reminded me of Celine but also Genet, Burroughs, and Artaud. Elegantly grotesque and brilliantly conceived.… (meer)