N. Casio Poe’s INLORE
INLORE, a novella by N. Casio Poe, is an experiment in intertextuality and the blurring of lines between reality, fiction, and fantasy. A collage of quotes from various sources—newspaper articles, books, erotic videos, and website excerpts, among others—gives form to the aphoristic prose throughout the book. These fragments and Poe's own narratives form a chronicle that defies traditional notions of character development. The plot progression presents an abstract exploration of the dark aspects of the enigmatic figure known in the book as Ren Calow, a would-be director with a focus on a series of what the novella describes as the "Inlore Slayings." Calow, a guerrilla-style filmmaker, eventually shelves his film concerning victims that range from Louisiana to Florida.
INLORE, a novella by N. Casio Poe, is an experiment in intertextuality and the blurring of lines between reality, fiction, and fantasy. A collage of quotes from various sources—newspaper articles, books, erotic videos, and website excerpts, among others—gives form to the aphoristic prose throughout the book. These fragments and Poe's own narratives form a chronicle that defies traditional notions of character development. The plot progression presents an abstract exploration of the dark aspects of the enigmatic figure known in the book as Ren Calow, a would-be director with a focus on a series of what the novella describes as the "Inlore Slayings." Calow, a guerrilla-style filmmaker, eventually shelves his film concerning victims that range from Louisiana to Florida.
Readers must interpret the meaning within this literary mosaic. The quotes do not appear to follow a specific order; instead, they weave together various perspectives of not only the anti-protagonist, Ren Calow, but also of the metanarrative of the author himself. Some might find it challenging or even impossible to discern how these pieces fit together into one cohesive whole, but the complexity is perhaps part of the author's point. One might better appreciate the book as an intellectual critique of what one might say is an obsessed, psychopathically kaleidoscopic mind rather than as a classically entertaining story.
Poe's vast knowledge of media themes and sources create complex and layered motifs. The reader must consider how these fragments relate to Ren Calow and their place in the narrative. Each quote is both familiar and also new when presented in this metanarrative aspect. A keen mind is required for full appreciation.
INLORE offers no relief from its grim philosophical themes. The style combines disturbing graphic descriptions of sex and violence with complex, abstract imagery that reflects the fractured mind of Calow. An intense experience that will leave readers with much to ponder on humanity, morality, and what they find deplorable, may also find this novella curiously intriguing.
N. Casio Poe's INLORE is a thought-provoking and unique novella, but its intense, gory imagery, presented in a somewhat randomized format, may not appeal to everyone. Deciphering the aphorisms and media requires considerable effort. However, readers intrigued by experimental writing may find the experience intellectually stimulating and memorable. I recommend the book to readers interested in postmodern literature or experimental storytelling. It's also a splendid choice for those who enjoy the literary aspects of true crime.
