The Escalator

In “The Escalator” by Andrew Budden, the tangled threads of a brilliant yet tormented mind are expertly woven into a compelling tapestry of love, loss, and the intricate dance between reality and illusion. This literary novel is a poignant exploration of the human condition, where the boundaries between truth and fantasy blur with tragi-comic finesse.

At the heart of the narrative is William, a character whose life has spiraled into chaos, leaving him homeless and engulfed by delusions. The novel's strength lies in its unflinching portrayal of William's mental turmoil. Budden skillfully guides readers through the labyrinthine corridors of William's mind, unveiling his thoughts, memories, and fantasies in a way that is both unsettling and enlightening.

The story grapples with profound themes such as love, isolation, and the fragility of the human psyche. As William's mental decline accelerates, his experiences as a Concorde pilot, a Pope, and a scriptwriter for a beloved television show blur the lines between fact and fiction. Through the distorted lens of his delusions, these fabricated memories become eerily plausible, highlighting the fragile nature of perception.

Amid the chaos of William's mind, his wife stands as a poignant counterpoint. Her humor and sarcasm become a lifeline for both the reader and William himself. Her emotional imprisonment, while different from his, paints a picture of human connection strained by the complexities of mental illness.

Budden's prose is a powerful instrument, guiding readers through William's fractured reality with a mix of compassion and raw honesty. The narrative captures the essence of the human experience, where freedom and focus, imagination and reality, collide in a symphony of emotions.

While “The Escalator” can be challenging to read at times due to its unflinching portrayal of mental decline and different timelines, the effort is unquestionably worth it. The book's ability to immerse readers in William's world, seamlessly blending their perspectives with his, is a testament to Budden's narrative prowess. The gaps in William's recollections only serve to deepen the sense of empathy and understanding, drawing readers into his labyrinthine thoughts.

The book reminded me of Ruan Kemp's ‘Gedeeltelik bewolk'. (Translated to Partly cloudy)

“The Escalator” is a haunting and thought-provoking journey into the heart and mind of a man battling his mental decline. Andrew Budden's ability to craft a narrative that's simultaneously unsettling and enlightening is a testament to his literary skill. For those willing to engage with its complex themes and delve into the depths of human consciousness, this novel is a remarkable exploration of the blurred boundaries between reality and imagination.

Thank you Netgalley for the arc copy.