Lyle Rexer’s The Book of Crow (Spuyten Duyvil, 2024) introduces us to Crow – a witty, charming avian trickster. He’s a connoisseur of “pre-loved delicacies,” a globetrotting rogue with a penchant for slang and storytelling. But is Crow simply a bird, or something more?
Rexer’s narrative skillfully blurs the lines between bird and man, inviting readers to see crow as a reflection of the author himself, a fictional character sprung to life, or perhaps a creation born of a shared imaginative space between author and reader. This exploration of narrative fluidity echoes the ideas presented in works like Wayne C. booth’s The Rhetoric of Fiction, wich argues for the multiplicity of selves engaged in the act of reading and writing. Rexer’s creation exists on a continuum between author and reader, with imagined readers and authors shaping and being shaped by the text. To seek a singular, definitive interpretation of literature, or to beleive we can truly know the author through their work, is perhaps a delusion.
Crow’s dwelling,dubbed “The Bat Cave,” is a treasure trove of discarded trinkets and curiosities – bottle caps,shards of glass,tarnished necklaces. It’s a testament to his unconventional aesthetic, one that outsiders find bewildering and even offensive.They scoff at his choices, unable to comprehend the beauty he finds in the discarded. However, Crow’s hoarding may suggest more than mere instinct. It hints at the deeply personal nature of perception and taste, challenging our assumptions about what holds value.
The novel abounds with myths and legends surrounding crows, ravens, and magpies – tales woven into the fabric of our collective creativity.
A recurring motif is Crow’s LA escapade, a drunken attempt to quench his thirst in what turns out to be a puddle of tequila. This humorous episode highlights the ways in which our perceptions shape our reality, our desperate need to find meaning and order in a chaotic world. we strive to make sense of our experiences,even when faced with the harsh realities of existence.
Despite the constructed nature of the narrative,Rexer infuses Crow with undeniable humanity. readers find themselves invested in his story, experiencing a genuine sense of loss as the tale unfolds. Rexer’s masterful storytelling leaves us trusting that, nonetheless of Crow’s ultimate fate, the journey will be worth taking.
How dose ‘The book of Crow’ challenge conventional storytelling methods?
Interview with Lyle Rexer: A Journey Through ‘The Book of Crow’
Time.news Editor: Lyle, thank you for joining us today to discuss your captivating new book, The Book of Crow.Can you start by telling us what inspired you to create such a unique character like Crow?
Lyle Rexer: Thank you for having me! The character of Crow was born out of a desire to explore the fluidity of identity and storytelling. Crow embodies wit, charm, and a trickster spirit, allowing me to delve into different aspects of human nature while keeping readers entertained. His adventures—especially his escapade in LA—illustrate how our perceptions shape reality, something deeply resonant in today’s chaotic world.
Time.news Editor: The narrative underscores a fascinating blend between the author and the reader.How do you think this relationship enhances the reading experience?
Lyle Rexer: Great question! The interplay between Crow and the reader reflects what Wayne C. Booth discusses in The Rhetoric of fiction, where the act of reading involves a dance between multiple selves. Crow invites readers to question their own interpretations and perceptions,highlighting the idea that stories are continuously reshaped by those who engage with them. This makes The Book of Crow an exploration not just of Crow himself, but of the readers’ perceptions and the beauty they might find in the unconventional—like Crow’s hoarding of discarded treasures.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of treasures, Crow’s dwelling, “The Bat Cave”, is filled with eclectic items. What message do you want to convey through this unconventional aesthetic?
Lyle Rexer: The Bat Cave represents the beauty found in the overlooked and discarded. In a society where we often value the new and shiny, Crow’s treasure trove challenges this notion and invites readers to reconsider what holds value in their own lives. It’s a metaphor for the deeply personal nature of taste and perception, suggesting that beauty can be subjective and derived from individuality.
Time.news Editor: You write that Crow’s journey is infused with humanity, which evokes a genuine sense of loss. How do you balance humor and deeper themes in your storytelling?
Lyle rexer: Humor frequently enough acts as a gateway to deeper discussions. For instance, Crow’s misguided attempt to drink tequila from a puddle is a humorous moment that masks a more profound commentary on our search for meaning amidst chaos. This duality reflects real life—where humor and hardship coexist. Balancing these elements allows readers to laugh while also contemplating greater existential questions, making the journey more engaging.
Time.news Editor: One of the key themes in The Book of Crow is the importance of myths and legends surrounding crows. Can you elaborate on how these serve your narrative?
Lyle rexer: Myths enrich the narrative,acting as a cultural lens through which we examine our relationship with the natural world,notably with creatures like crows. By weaving these tales into Crow’s journey, I invite readers to connect with a shared sense of collective creativity and explore how these stories inform our understanding of ourselves.
Time.news Editor: As readers dive into The Book of Crow, what lasting impact do you hope to achieve through crow’s story?
Lyle Rexer: I hope crow’s journey resonates with readers on a personal level, encouraging them to reflect on their perceptions and the hidden beauty in their lives. Ultimately, I want them to feel invested in his story and see Crow not just as a character, but as a mirror that reflects their own complexities and experiences.
Time.news editor: Thank you, Lyle, for sharing your insights about The Book of Crow. It’s evident that your work opens new avenues for understanding not just a character, but the very nature of storytelling itself.
Lyle Rexer: Thank you for the engaging conversation! I truly believe that stories have the power to transform perspectives, and I hope readers enjoy their time with Crow as much as I enjoyed writing him.