In Andrew Davidson’s The Gargoyle, there is no subtle introduction to the grotesque and depressing world awaiting the reader. The novel begins with the narrator’s nearly fatal crash, caused by drug and alcohol-induced hallucinations, that sentences him to a life of pain and deformity.

The nameless narrator describes his whole process of burning in the crash and the recovery. Although it’s done in a cynical and pessimistic tone, it can still easily cause the least squeamish person to flinch, with all the gory details included.

Davidson, a debut novelist who spent seven years crafting this first novel, uses highly descriptive language to make the reader feel as if he or she is going through the process themself, which is just as powerful as his ability to draw readers into the story quickly.

The narrator also explains parts of his unhappy childhood and his late teenage years, where he became a porn star and eventually a producer of porn films.

The reader can see this sexual and shallow part of the narrator’s nature in how he views and describes the world and his experiences. In one portion, the narrator focuses on how he will never be able to have an erection again following the accident.

He talks about living in a world where only appearances mattered to him and to his “friends,” and so it is not surprising that once he becomes disfigured, he has no friends left to truly speak of.
This leads to a lengthy depression, which is fortunately broken by a psychotic patient of the name Marianne Engel.

Marianne brings hope and interesting tales of love and life, which shows in the narrator’s desperation and contentment in hearing the tales. The author brings in medieval romance and religion through Marianne’s storytelling, which cements the originality of the novel.

The novel is both dreary and enlightening at the same time, which makes The Gargoyle one of the most bizarre and exciting reads. The novel switches from present to past to storytelling frequently, which will keep the reader busy and craving for more.

Overall, the author uses skillful storytelling to make this story unforgettable, and the reader will be disappointed when the book finally finishes. One can only wonder at this novelist’s next successes, which hopefully include stories as complex and creative as his first.

Reach the reporter at reweaver@asu.edu.