A Modern Journey
Derek Turner
[Endeavour Press]
A Modern Journey draws us into the religiously zealous world of 23-year old Ambrose. The unkempt, socially awkward protagonist undergoes a psychological breakdown and embarks on a gruelling pilgrimage that transforms him into an unlikely prophet on a quest to convert secular Irish society. Ambrose’s particular blend of Christianity comprises paganism, fantasy literature and computer gaming, and he is a caricature of the religious fanatic; an emaciated, near-feral oddball sporting a staff and spurting biblical waffle. During the course of his journey, Ambrose encounters a series of characters representing various elements of modern day Ireland – clergy, Irish aristocrats, Travellers and ex-army officers – who latch onto him in the hope of a return to the religious, traditional Ireland of their youth.
Although the narrative packs an early punch, midway through the novel it lags, bogged down by too many peripheral storylines. Turner’s attempt to convince the reader of Ambrose’s transformative influence on these disillusioned, spiritually lost individuals ultimately fails – not least because it is impossible to accept that anyone in their right mind would follow this seemingly unhinged man once they witness him drill a hole in his arm with a Black & Decker. While it is Turner’s inspired construction of Ambrose that is the most memorable and successful element of the novel, the protagonist’s sheer lunacy makes this otherwise promising novel difficult to connect with.
Words – Paula Clarke
