The Deep Sea Diver's Syndrome

September 5, 2016
Brussolo's first book to be translated into English is an offbeat hybrid of crime and fantasy, though its execution doesn't match the originality of its fascinating premise. The reader is immediately dropped into the deep end of the pool with a surreal beginning in which diver David Sarella fears that a car is mutating into a shark; things only get stranger from there as David attempts a dangerous underwater heist, using a severed hand and extracted eyeball to defeat a biometric security system. Brussolo soon reveals the context: David is a medium who can materialize "ectoplasms of persistent duration" and dreams that become valued pieces of art, which are closely regulated by the government. His larcenous experiences on his dives are actually just the product of his dream state, but the adventuresâand his heist accomplice, Nadiaâfeel all too real to him. Fans of hard-to-pigeonhole authors such as J.G. Ballard will find this challenging read to their taste.

January 1, 2016

David Sarella is a medium: a lucid dreamer who brings from the depths of his visions a unique ectoplasm, one that is the only art left in his world. David dreams himself a professional thief, breaking into jewelry stores and stealing diamonds, which in turn become ectoplasm when he awakes. Each dive takes its toll, and as David gets older, he struggles to stay in control, both in the imagined realm and the real world. The rituals of diving are becoming less effective, and his dream accomplice Nadia stays behind each time he comes to. David decides to perform one last big heist, going deeper than he has ever gone into his dreams. But he soon discovers that he has a tenuous grip on either universe, and his plan becomes a battle when the painting he is attempting to steal fights back. VERDICT This first English translation of best-selling, award-winning French author Brussolo's work submerges readers into the world of the subconscious. Vivid imagery, intriguing characters, and the blurred boundaries of David's worlds will hold their attention. A captivating read that will immerse the senses.--KC

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