[Spoilers] Anyone care to discuss Spectral Link stories?
 

I just finished Spectral Link last night. I was wondering if anyone read it. If so, what did you think? What did you think of "Metaphysica Morum" versus "The Small People"? How would you compare them to Ligotti's other stories?

Re: [Spoilers] Anyone care to discuss Spectral Link stories?
 

Briefly (I'm going to write a full review soon), I thought both stories were highly unusual for Ligotti in a variety of ways. He continues to evolve as a writer. I haven't read anything like these in his previous work. For example, "Metaphysica Morum" has that stunning, vicious and hilarious missive from the protagonist's long lost family as well as the ending "suicide note" which finishes the piece off. And "The Small People" is even more singular -- a creative distillation of all Ligotti's past work turned on its head. It's an emotional gutpunch of a tale. Devastating.

I loved both of the stories--and they absolutely stand out in Ligotti's oeuvre to date. However, I think "The Small People" competes with the likes of "The Bungalow House" as the best story he's ever written.

The book as a whole leaves me feeling thunderstruck and somehow simultaneously satisfied and ravenous for more such work.

Re: [Spoilers] Anyone care to discuss Spectral Link stories?
 

I also expect that "Metaphysica Morum" is going to be controversial -- which I admit makes me a bit giddy and anxious with anticipation.

Re: [Spoilers] Anyone care to discuss Spectral Link stories?
 

Mine will in all likelihood show up tomorrow--I am breathless with anticipatory anxiety.

Re: [Spoilers] Anyone care to discuss Spectral Link stories?
 

One of mine (after all the hand-wringing about Amazon v. Subterranean I simply decided to order from both), the Amazon purchase, should be here around 11 a.m. tomorrow. Looking forward to it with great anticipation. If anyone gets their copy of Born to Fear, which I have not ordered, please post some reactions about that, as I'm on the fence concerning whether I need/am interested in it.

Re: [Spoilers] Anyone care to discuss Spectral Link stories?
 

I really hope I get my copy on Friday, because Saturday I'm leaving for Maine for a week and I think I'd like to be able to bring it up with me to read!

Re: [Spoilers] Anyone care to discuss Spectral Link stories?
 

My copy of The Spectral Link just arrived. I'm afraid to start reading, since I know the experience will be over far too soon--guess I'll procrastinate by encasing the dust jacket in mylar.

Re: [Spoilers] Anyone care to discuss Spectral Link stories?
 

I pre-ordered my SPECTRAL LINK from Amazon Uk in March.
They predicted delivery by the end of July at that time.
Anyone know whether I should have any hope that will be improved upon?
I am jealous of those on this thread already discussing the book! :p

Re: [Spoilers] Anyone care to discuss Spectral Link stories?
 

Considering that the trade edition is already out of stock at SubPress, but still shipping from Amazon US, my suggestion would be to order from there and cancel your Amazon UK order. Yes, you'll pay as much for shipping as for the volume itself, but I suspect these aren't going to be around long enough to make it to the UK distribution centers. I could be completely wrong, of course.

Re: [Spoilers] Anyone care to discuss Spectral Link stories?
 

I just finished reading it. Controversial... yes, I suppose so. I think it's probably the most clear-cut fictional revelation of Ligotti's philosophy that I've read thus far, and unfortunately I can't say I'm impressed by the "argument". The title is a reference to Kant's moral philosophy, it seems fairly obvious, and therein lies the problem. The notion that either morality or demoralization rest upon rational considerations has, in my opinion, been completely refuted since his time, and wasn't all that strong a foundation to begin with. From what I gather this is the same anti-natalism/pessimism argument expressed in tCatHR--i.e., that if we all assessed the organism situation rationally, we'd all conclude that life is MALIGNANTLY USELESS and end it all.

Though as an artist (and entertainer) I admire and will continue to cherish Ligotti's work and find it tremendously powerful, I'm afraid in my short (three weeks) wrestling match with it I've come to feel he's not nearly the sophisticated philosopher he (and presumably some fans) think he is. I'm getting to the point where I see his outlook as a kind of misinterpretation and subsequent perversion of HPL's. I hope it is understood that I write all of this meaning no disrespect. If I didn't find what Ligotti has to say compelling, I wouldn't bother to comment at all.

As a story, it's fine, although I wouldn't say it's close to his best work. I hope the second story is better. I'll save discussion of specific aspects of the tale for when others have caught up :-).

By all means, flame away at me, or alternatively I'm happy to delve deeper into differences of opinion.