4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid by Gary Robinson could very well be a study about what a man could do when his dream is given the reins of his journey through life. Both Duke Reynolds and Gary Robinson --- the former as the sword swallower, and the latter as the Chico kid --- think from an early age that life could be as pleasurable as one would make it. Duke resented authority and the constraints of home. Taking matters into his own hands, he took pleasure in smoking cigarettes at the age of thirteen. Then, he ventured out into the world outside of his uncomfortable home at fifteen by joining the circus. His foremost act is swallowing simultaneously five 30-inch swords with only the handles left protruding above his lips. And he was well-applauded in his performances, great for the ego, albeit with detrimental effects. The rigors of circus life required him, along with the other circus crew, to take the drug methamphetamine to maintain their stamina in 18 to 22 hours of work every day. This made him addicted to the substance, compounding his addiction to alcohol.
While as for Gary Robinson, his life is a hedonistic existence of drinks and parties until he met Duke Reynolds who initiated him into methamphetamine use and dazzled him with his tattoos, and lifestyle. It seems apparent that Gary found a mentor and idol in Duke. What's in this relationship for both of them?
I consider it a touch of genius how the author has juggled the chronology of events in the story.
He flaunted first the highlights to get the reader hooked before proceeding to the nitty-gritty of the lives of the characters. It came as no surprise to me that I got to know more about the genesis of Duke Reynolds in the chapters pertaining to the Chico kid rather than on the portion devoted to the sword swallower. The intrinsic aspects of Duke, his mores and mental outlook, are herein exposed better. In fact, I have some misgivings for these, popularity-wise. The outspoken atheistic views of Duke might be an affront to the religious sensibilities of some people.
There is one thing I delightfully noted. In some instances, well-placed recollections give us glimpses on the life of Duke, e.g., the flashbacks during the lengthy bus rides between show engagements. I found this ploy really clever. Otherwise, these back stories if clumped altogether would bore the reader, or derail the storyline.
On the issue about tattoos, that although it seemed to had gained some foothold among the progressive members of mainstream society, it is safe to consider that the majority still holds the view that tattooing is mayhem. That’s the Theosophical viewpoint. I have observed that the stigma attached to tattoos still exists as it did decades before when tattoos identified mainly with felons and convicts, although it seemed in vogue with sailors and army men, as well. On the medical aspect, it is feared that the ink used could be carcinogenic.
I am gravely concerned by the way information about meth is disseminated in the novel. Nothing is said to dissuade possible takers of this drug. Instead, Duke referred to it as his medicine. I opine it is not enough that Duke issues a caveat about meth not to be smoked, but rather to be sniffed at. There should be even just a token warning that meth could wipe out the inhibitions, and spike up the pain threshold --- with grave consequences for the user. This could be what enabled Gary to do despicable acts of public nudity, or of letting people staple money bills on his chest while exuding surreal endurance to pain.
I, therefore, recommend readership of the novel mainly to responsible adults who love the genre Other Fiction. In the event young adults opt to read, they should do so under parental guidance. That is, if there is such classification as Parental Guidance in books, as they do in movies. My rating stands at 4 out of 4 stars despite the few typographical errors found.
******
The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like ReyvrexQuestor Reyes's review? Post a comment saying so!
