By Mark McConville, Rockadia:
My heart was captured by the picture before I opened this book. The raw, well constructed drawing of a man smoking a cigarette with curly hair and crimson glasses. It’s vivid and brilliantly executed, it showcases the true, radical meaning of ‘GUNK’. GUNK is a book that explores modelling of the 80’s, it’s a quick fire piece of fiction that lasts only 14 pages. But in those pages sits a very compelling, ultra engrossing story full of wonderful prose. The author Gerry Feehily, who is also a journalist, commits to his writing with diversity and elegance. The writing never gets trapped and never loses intensity.
The story is centred around the fast paced world of fashion and modelling. A young upstart wins and competition to pose in a magazine shoot with the enigmatic Boy George. Jude is the wannabe model and is pivotal to the tales progression. it also describes the industry, an industry that isn’t so special or so glamorous. The imagery is instrumental in GUNK. Feehily writes about Boy George’s make-up and his camp appearance. He also details London, a city steeped in a fashion craze.
What struck me in the story was the magical narration. The writing style is very provocative, clear and concise. Feehily writes with intelligent expressions, utilizing every piece of his writing ability. If you’re not accustomed to this type of writing, then push your head through the skin of the norm, and press your eyes against the ink.
GUNK highlights an uncanny direction. It’s weird but wonderful, controlled and expertly written. The story expands like a air filled balloon. There is hyperbole, but only in small dabs, there is wholesomeness in a very short book. The characters are refined and imaginative. When reading, I was completely immersed, hooked and amazed. I was amazed because of the way the characters were built is such a short product. The natural talent that Feehily possesses is admirable, the writing is full bodied and will compel.
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