Best of the Spectator The Book Club: M. John Harrison
Jul 9, 2025
In this engaging discussion, M. John Harrison, celebrated novelist and critic known for his unique contributions to science fiction and fantasy, dives into the rerelease of his cult classic, The Course of the Heart. He shares personal insights into grief and memory woven throughout the story. Their conversation also touches on the challenges of balancing realism and fantasy in literature, the evolution of science fiction, and how influential figures like Iain Banks inspired his creative journey, reminding him to have fun with his writing.
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Deeply Personal Novel Roots
- The Course of the Heart is a deeply personal and autobiographical work despite its metaphysical content.
- It focuses on the death of someone close and the attempt to connect beyond that loss.
Escapism's Costs Explored
- The novel explores failed escapism through a ritual that haunts its four characters.
- It critiques escapism in fiction and society, mixing horror with metaphysical themes.
Realism Grounds Weirdness
- To create genuine weirdness in fiction, you need a very real, grounded setting as contrast.
- Realistic details enhance authenticity, making the strange elements more affecting.
