A review by jnzllwgr
Termush by Sven Holm

4.0

Speedy 105-page read from 1967 Denmark, recently republished with a forward from Jeff Vandermeer (see previous postings). Chapters like journal entries of an individual’s experience within a pre-paid ‘luxury’ hotel shelter after a nuclear war and the slow unraveling of the group’s stability as an increasing number of survivors descend upon the enclave. Holm establishes a pretty strong distance between the subject and reader further objectifying the events. A commentary on the isolation of capitalism or modern, soon-to-be post-industrial western society? Some suggestions about herd mentality in a crisis? There are attempts at describing the landscape which seems to mirror emotional states. ‘Vandermeeerian’ moments occur where language attempts to convey the incomprehensible. In the foreword, it is suggested that the story has staying power because, through it’s craft, it readily associates to the contemporary climate crisis or pandemic conditions. I enjoyed that overlay as I worked my way through the short chapters. Avid readers may find this worth a couple hours of their time. For those with limited time or range of interest, well — let’s just say getting off the interstate for the scenic backroad might not live up to one’s expectations.