In the Suicide Mountains

In the Suicide Mountains by John Gardner

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This is a charming and easy-to-read light “fantasy.” It bears the same relation to the fantasy genre that “Schreck” has - anachronistic, absurdist, silly, and humorous. The story's plot features three misfit characters - a powerful, magic-using dwarf who is considered evil but is actually very nice, a beautiful young woman with the strength of a blacksmith, and a prince who prefers playing the violin and writing awful poetry to feats of daring-do.

The three go into the Suicide Mountains to end their problem with fitting into societal expectations with extreme prejudice. They meet each other and recognize kindred spirits. They have several adventures and the story ends happily ever after.

The writing is crisp and clear. Gardner writes some wonderful lines. There is one paragraph-length sentence in the book that is worth its own study.

Honestly, from the title, I expected something Lovecraftian, but this story was enjoyable and light. It is well worth reading as a light diversion.