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Ghoti: Carnivorous
by Don Hucks

Ghoti: Issue No. 14

After pouring through thousands of pages of conventional, reasonably-sensible literature, sometimes it can be satisfying to find a piece so artfully ambiguous that it borders on incomprehensibility.
Don Hucks’ “Carnivorous” is an intense tale which centers on a lengthy, emotionally-troubled narrative excitedly spiraling to oblivion.

On the surface, the story’s plot is disturbing. A disturbed, emotionally-fragile narrator plans a dinner for family and friends, but with a grave twist: the narrator will have already committed suicide when guests arrive. Digging deeper, however, the story lays a foundation for an intriguing psychological study. What drives a person to madness? What feelings and experiences have led to the narrator’s suicide? What interesting characteristics can we derive from the inner-thoughts of a manic-depressive?

Unfortunately, the deeper aspect of the story is not present. In the story’s final lines, the narrator envisions his family and friends reacting to his suicide: “Nobody moves. No one says a word. They stare lazily into space and smile. They are satisfied, all of them, and at this moment, so am I.” The statement is undoubtedly powerful, but without access to the narrator’s deeper reasoning, they become irrevocably lost in the story’s overall mediocrity.

For such a short tale, its focus is surprisingly diverse. In the first paragraph alone, the subject matter alternates between preparation of a fruit salad—“a couple of nice, ripe melons and a cantaloupe…[and] some beautiful oranges to squeeze for their mimosas”—and exceedingly malicious statements demeaning the landlord’s overweight child—“the landlady and her fat son.” Though effective, this oscillation between normalcy and bitterness is the story’s only insight into the narrator’s mental instability.

The tale is well-written, thought-provoking, and intense, but its overall impression is far too malicious. A story that should provide skillfully-crafted exposition to elucidate for the narrator’s worldly resentment reads like an ill-tempered personal journal entry never intended for public viewing.
Without a backbone, the story falls flat. But should the tale be supported with a solid foundation of detailed description, it could be molded into something special.

Take a look at the story for yourself and tell us what you think.

About the Reviewer
Robert Lewis graduated from California State University - Sacramento in May 2007, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English Composition and composed sports features pieces for the college newspaper publication. He currently writes for Associated Content in his idle time.

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