Description
Voyages in the Underworld of Orpheus Black
Marcus Sedgwick and Julian Sedgwick, illustrated by Alexis Deacon
(Walker Books) – hardback
£14.99
Voyages in the Underworld of Orpheus Black is a lyrical and dreamlike story of two brothers in conflict amidst the devastation of WWII London.
Harry Black, a conscientious objector, wakes in hospital following a bomb blast. He learns that his soldier brother Ellis is missing following a V2 rocket raid. In a state of psychological crisis, Harry begins to blur the distinctions between reality and fantasy, particularly his unpublished sci-fi novel, a re-telling of the myth of Orpheus.
Driven by visions of Ellis still alive, Harry discharges himself from hospital and begins a search for his brother. He is helped in his search by Agatha, a nurse at the hospital and a Jewish German refugee. His search leads him deep into the city’s Underworld/Hades, run by Old Jimmy and his murderous gang of thugs.
This is a quite unique novel, told in a mesmerising blend of poetry and prose by Marcus and Julian Sedgwick, with fantastic illustrations by Alexis Deacon.
Nominated for the Carnegie award, and deservedly so, this is a complex and richly rewarding novel.
Voyages in the Underworld of Orpheus Black
Marcus Sedgwick and Julian Sedgwick, illustrated by Alexis Deacon
(Walker Books) – hardback
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