The Secret of Ventriloquism
The Secret of Ventriloquism
Author: Jon Padgett
Desc: Jon Padgett's The Secret of Ventriloquism named the Best Fiction Book of 2016 by Rue Morgue Magazine heralds the arrival of a significant new literary talent. With themes reminiscent of Shirley Jackson Thomas Ligotti and Bruno Schulz but with a strikingly unique vision Padgett's work explores the mystery of human suffering the agony of personal existence and the ghastly means by which someone might achieve salvation from both. A bullied child seeks vengeance within a bed's hollow box spring. A lucid dreamer is haunted by an impossible house. A dummy reveals its own anatomy in 20 simple steps. A stuttering librarian holds the key to a mill town's unspeakable secrets. A commuter's worldview is shattered by two words printed on a cardboard sign. An aspiring ventriloquist spends a little too much time looking at himself in a mirror. And a presence speaks through them all. Contents: Introduction by Matt Cardin The Mindfulness of Horror Practice Murmurs of a Voice Foreknown The Indoor Swamp Origami Dreams 20 Simple Steps to Ventriloquism Infusorium Organ Void The Secret of Ventriloquism Escape to Thin Mountain