This post isn’t a condemnation of his writing, but rather a critique of his storytelling by way of comparison to the author of, what some have called, one of the best novels of all time.įor a shocking image to resonate beyond the original ick value the story context, specifically the characters within the story, must be able to exist beyond the shock.

I’ll read every novel he writes, even if they continue to be as bad as his last few. It’s important to state up front that I love Chuck Palahniuk’s writing. I suppose the use of shock, which I consider a very Palahniuk thing, was used in “Pastorale” in a way that I wasn’t ready for. The writers, and their work, are completely different. I’m not sure why I immediately forced a comparison to Chuck Palahniuk. A dead man is pulled out of a frozen lake the man fell through the thin ice atop the lake when trying to retrieve the severed head of a man he helped kill earlier in the story.īut unlike a Chuck Palahniuk story, “Pastorale” kept going. Cain short story “ Pastorale,” I was struck by a scene that seemed very Chuck Palahniuk-ian. I just hope Survivor and Lullaby gain some ground as well, because after Choke this year, I'm in need of some more Chuck Palahniuk.A few nights ago, when reading the James M. I'm much more interested in the story of 'Haunted' and think I may just pick up a copy of the book soon anyway (described as 'one part Canterbury Tales, one part Lord of the Flies, and 100 percent classic Palahniuk'), because it sounds like such a twisted and fun romp into the crazy mind of Chuck Palahniuk. Mortier is just that, which is a good start, let's just hope he can direct. I can't speak for Mortier, since I never saw Ex-Drummer, but I'll say that I think 'Haunted' is a good fit for a director who can bring something fresh and unique into the mix and isn't watered down by Hollywood. It's a little bit funky, but so are all of Palahniuk's stories. As the storytellers grow more desperate they ruthlessly plot to make themselves the hero of the reality show or film that they expect will be made from their plight. 'Haunted' is a thriller comedy that revolves around a group of characters who answer an ad for a writers retreat and unwittingly end up competing in a 'Survivor'-like scenario, where the host withholds heat, power and food. Palahniuk's 'Haunted' is the latest to secure a director - Koen Mortier of last year's Ex-Drummer has signed on to write the adaptation and direct. Chuck Palahniuk's books are going fast, so if you want to direct one, hurry up and throw your name into the hat.

Haunted by chuck palahniuk guts