The Mushrooms and the Violin

By John Swofford

This intricate narrative weaves together fantastical elements, metaphors, and dialogues among unusual characters like fruits, vegetables, and other inanimate objects-creating a vivid tapestry of imagery and relationships.
The story opens with characters witnessing a strange unfolding of events, symbolically represented by the "decaying fabric of the gods," which suggests a loss of grandeur in understanding. As the plot progresses, there are allusions to chaos, as various characters, including squirrels and porcupines, engage in absurd schemes and proclamations. For example, references to "admonishing department heads" and negotiating over a "bill of sale" paint a surreal picture of bureaucratic absurdity.

Throughout the dialogue between two primary characters-possibly a mother and her child-there is a recurrent theme of questioning societal norms, discussing mundane matters that take on grand importance amidst their whimsical banter about mushrooms and grilled cheese sandwiches. A notable aspect is the constant interplay between personal desires and broader existential themes, reflected in their internal struggles and reflections on life's complexities.

This surreal narrative explores themes of identity, society, and the absurdity of existence, pushing readers towards introspection and understanding of their own realities amid whimsical distractions. The sheer density of its metaphorical framework invites deeper exploration, making it an enriching, albeit challenging, read.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1729725031
• ISBN13: 9781729725030
• Release Date: November 2018
• Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
• Length: 714 Pages
• Weight: 1.77 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.6" x 5.3" x 8.0"