By Matthew J. Barbour
Poppy Z. Brite is one of the most respected and well-known writers in the field of horror fiction. In the 1990s, Brite’s narratives defined subgenres such as erotic horror, slasher punk, and Southern Gothic. The author’s bayou-centric stories, rife with graphic violence and sexuality, are unique. They represent the standard for mystery fiction as a whole.
Artemisiaoriginally published as Swamp Fetusis a collection of previously published short stories. These stories represent some of the author’s first forays into the horror genre in the late 1980s and early 1990s. In many ways, these stories are told in a raw state. Some of them feature New Orleans, extreme violence, and even overly sexualized stories. Yet, the stories are often presented in ways that would surprise even the most seasoned connoisseur of Bright literature.
s story Artemisia include:
Preface to any future metaphysics of poppies (written by Dan Simmons)
Optional vocal and piano music
lost
Elders
Georgia’s Story
Angel
Xenophobia
Footprints in the water
His mouth will taste of wormwood
Ashes of memory, dust of desire
Kolkata, the king of nerves
The Sixth Sentinel
How to Succeed in New York
While all of these stories have their merits, three deserve special attention and praise. First published in 1986, The Elder is set around Christmas time. A woman suffering from postpartum depression discovers there are far more horrific things to endure. The horrors are very well drawn. However, it lacks the explicit Southern setting or depictions of sexuality that Bright is known for.
Another film, Kolkata, King of Nerves contains violence and sex, but as the title suggests, the story is set in the Indian subcontinent. Also, our protagonists are not facing vampires or ghosts, but a zombie apocalypse. The combination of the traditional shambling dead and Indian mysticism is refreshing.
If there is any story in the text that meets the reader’s expectations, it is “The Sixth Sentinel.” Written in 1993, it is one of the few stories the author wrote after his first novel. Lost SoulsThis is a story of love, loss and obsession. Misdirection is key to this work. Who or what is the ghost that haunts Rosalie Smith and why?
At the heart of all of these works is the theme of the outsider. Bright’s characters are ostracized by society or feel the need to isolate themselves. It is through this lens that the author explores the evils of cultural norms and how evil conspires to devour us when the veil of social order is lifted. Most (but not all) outsiders fit into the late 20th century Gothic scene.day century.
Artemisia is a fascinating collection. Everything that Brite is and will become is revealed in the stories presented. However, the ideas are not fully realized. For those who enjoy horror erotica, Southern Gothic, and the blood-punk sub-genre of horror, this is a worthy read, but it is not a genre-defining classic. Lost Souls or Exquisite corpse.
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score 4/5
