It is the start of the Haunted Month, and Seanchai Library (SL) are marking the arrival and passage of October ith a four-part reading of Roger Zelazy’s A Night in the Lonesome October. The latter is the last of Zelazy’s published works, and 31 of its 32 chapters (the first being an introductory chapter) each take place on a night in October.
The book is satirical in nature, and is written in the first person – the narrator being Snuff the dog, the companion of none other than Jack the Ripper. The central theme of the book is that once every few decades, when the moon is full on the night of Halloween, the fabric of reality thins, and doors may be opened between this world and the realm of the Great Old Ones. At this time, men and women with occult knowledge gather at a certain location to engage in The Game – an attempt by some to open the doors, and others to hold them closed. Should the Openers ever win the game, the Great Old Ones will come to Earth, remake it in their own images and enslave or slaughtering the human race in the process.
Through the month of October, the Players in the game – all archetypal characters from Victorian Era gothic fiction – form alliances, make deals, oppose one another, and even kill off opposing Players, until the night of October 31st, when the ritual takes place and the fate of the world is decided. Each Player has his or her familiar, an animal companion with near-human intelligence which helps them complete the numerous preparations required to be ready for the ritual on the final night. The majority of the story describes the interactions and discussions of these animals, as described from Snuff’s viewpoint.
Seanchai Library will be presenting A Night in the Lonesome Octoberin four parts, featuring members Shandon Loring, Gyro Muggins, Caledonia Skytower and special guests. Part One will be presented on Monday October 1st, at 19:00 SLT.
Also this week, Seanchai Library (SL) will be presenting:
- The Legend of Sleepy Hollow with Derry McMahon and Bear Silvershade – Tuesday October 2nd, 19:00
- Petty Magic with Caledonia Skytower – Wednesday October 3rd, 19:00
- Nocturnes from Ireland with Shandon Loring- Thursday October 4th, 19:00
- Tea Time on Baker Street with Caledonia Skytower – Sunday October 7th, 14:00
All the events will be held on Seanchai Library’s home region at Imagination Island, and all are welcome to attend.
Inara Pey: Living in a Modemworld 