Ratings1
Average rating3.5
Genuinely such an insane read.
There's a very thin line between fiction and reality, and Gira tiptoes it the entire time.
Heavily philosophical, huge on solipsism but also not really, Michael Gira's characters are everything to ever exist and seem almost god-like, but are also pathetic and too small to be considered real people even by themselves.
Very interesting read for fans of his music. I suppose the “The Seer” probably came from his story of the same name, or maybe the other way around. Besides that, it's undeniable that this is Swans. Michael Gira is Swans. Swans is Michael Gira. This is a glimpse into his genius.
Extremely uncomfortable read, most of the time. Will have you questioning what makes Gira thinks the things he does, but I suppose it's best not to. Accept it. Let it infect you. Let him be you.
My favorite story was “The Condemned Man”, which is a reflection of humanity and how inhumane it actually is; especially today. We are living the horrors Michael describes. Now. And there is nothing we can do about it. At least that's what I gather from all this.
Very weird read, but I'd recommend it. If you like Swans, you should read this. If you don't like Swans, you must read it. Maybe you'll understand it a bit better then.