High Wired On by David Russell

Review-


"My curiosity about this highly unusual novel was initially aroused by the cryptic blurb: ' When you read this story, we hope that you will become aware of the perils of mass human vivisection'. The narrative teeters on the thin 'trapeze-wire' between fantasy and reality and it is often impossible to discern whether the bizarre experiences of the protagonist, Billy, are dreams, delusions or true apocalyptic horrors. The story is a strange and fascinating amalgamation of science fiction, conspiracy theory, detective story and faithful account of schizoid hallucination. The writing itself is so 'sparky' and apparently electrified that the reader begins to wonder whether the author is 'wired or 'on' something, but he assures that 'If you find some of this implausible, please take consolation - so do I'. The reader must decide where actuality ends and the imagination begins, which is no mean feat. Though events are sometimes difficult to follow, Dave Russell's images are often inspired: 'silhouetting your anxieties and suspicions on ceilings' and his lively prose conjures fantastic landscapes full of erupting volcanoes, spawning monsters and ancient cavernous civilisations. This book is likely to leave only a single certainty in the reader's mind: that there surely is nothing else like it." 


Karen Smith


The ISBN is 1-903932-29-7. There are only a few paperbacks in circulation. It was a limited edition of 100 copies, now out of print. I can always send pdf to anyone who has difficulty obtaining a p/b. 


I like the genre because it gives free rein to the imagination. I wonder if you might also be interested in my short story, Further Explorations which in some ways is on the periphery between romance and speculative fiction.

Further Explorations , by David Russell, takes up where the first book,Explorations , left off. Janice and Cedric, who are recently divorced, have enjoyed their passionate interlude. They have experienced a rejuvenation of spirit but both are still striving for that transformation of self; to shed the constraints of their old lives and become the person each secretly desires to be. Their interlude was just the beginning of that transformation and although there are some misgivings and reluctance they agree to go their separate ways to experience all that life has to offer. 


During their time apart they keep in contact via email. They each encounter financial and career success which allows them to seek out the pleasures they had missed out on while in their respective marriages. Each shares a passionate encounter with another and learns more about what they like in the opposite sex. As well they learn much about what the other seeks. 
As the story approaches the end Janice and Cedric meet again. 


My Thoughts…


This is not a conventional contemporary romance novel. That is, it’s not a typical romance where boy meets girl, they split apart and realize in the end they are passionately in love with each other. Please don’t take that to mean that I didn’t like the book because I certainly did. It’s very thought provoking and explores the relation between aspiration / illusion and reality. What is real and what is not? Janice and Cedric aspire to transform themselves and experience all that life has to offer. Each is convinced that transformation has taken place. The average on-looker would have to agree. But is it real or is it all just an illusion?


 Anna James


David Russell (Author of Self's  Blossom)
Further Explorations 4.50 avg rating — 2 ratings — published 1012 ... of Activity: A Special Issue of Mind, Culture, and Activity by David Russell (Editor ...
www.goodreads.com/author/show/ 10989.David_Russell - Cached