Customer Reviews

Crazy Horse in Heaven

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4 star:		(1)
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2 star:		(1)
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The jacket notes provide a prologue to the author's most recent, most praised, and most horrific work. Don't be misled by the somewhat mystic title; this book is no "Hymm to the Chesapeake," Arthur's first book of lyrical verse. "Crazy Horse in Heaven," according to the jacket, takes place following the holocaust of the third world war, a fact that, though the story's catalyst, is ultimately irrelevant. Ten men, representing the darker sides of human nature, embark upon a latter-day odyssey in search of literary works necessary to facilitate a second genesis. The book overflows with philosophical, psychological and physical horror, all within the confines of an environment which has become a cosmic melting pot of heaven, earth and hell. A melting pot, inhabited by angels, demons, and human beings, where everything, yet nothing, is as it seems. It is a world where one thought, one idea, or one brief perception can alter the landscape...topographically, mentally, and spiritually. A brutal narrative, penned in Arthur's lyrical style, foreshadows deeper paradoxes. It is a profane world in which (the act of) love becomes robotic and dehumanized; where realities become personal, and, in the words of one character,"...flicker into dominance, irregularly, temporarily." Ultimately, the novel focuses on the struggles of three men...the Professor of Literature, Pgeon, the Native-American, and the spirit of Crazy Horse; all of whom pursue their goals and seek some type of resolution and absolution. The return of Crazy Horse sets the wheels in motion for the book's climactic battle. In "Crazy Horse in Heaven," Arthur shows his talents as lyricist, poet, and playwright. It is a book worth reading..."the universe is mad; All traveling through All Places and no Places at once."

Arthur's writing style thrusts you into the middle of the book, subjecting all your senses to everything the characters are experiencing as well. All the elements of his book come together incredibly well. His original ideas are most welcome. He does a very nice job constructing this poetic, apocalyptic sci-fi novel. Awesome reading.

Arthur's style of writing is captivating. He is a descriptive genius who will envelope you in the world of his novel. Crazy Horse in Heaven is not for the feint of heart, it is a story with apocolyptic imagery that will take you on a journey with a group of men who have been ripped from the reality of their normal lives and placed in a dark world where anything can happen. A fantastic novel that will keep you turning the pages into the wee hours of the morning. Buy it. Read it. You won't regret it.

This is SciFi unlike most others you may have read. Arthur writes in a descriptive, poetic, literary style that tries to capture some of the qualities of ancient Native American dialects, as it propels you through a constantly changing futuristic netherworld. It's not "comfortable" reading for everyone, but if you enjoy story-telling that's different and intellectually stimulating, "Crazy Horse in Heaven" is the answer. It blends the past with a kind of apocalyptic future and keeps you in suspended confusion until its nightmarish altered reality is finally revealed.

Crazy Horse in Heaven is a feast for the literary reader. Arthur's style is at once captivating and readable, if not downright shocking at some points. This story of the reality and instability of human perception is hugely entertaining and kept me turning pages in an almost trance-like state. Arthur uses his poetic style to lull the reader into his horrific world of changing realities. This is a must read for anyone who CAN read!

I bought this book by mistake, thinking it was a book called Crazy Horse, a new novel by another author. I read it anyway. Whew! This is not a good book. The situation in this novel is so far out that I couldn't figure out what was happenning. I think if I had to sum up a review in one sentence, it would be: I don't get it! Crazy Horse in Heaven is hard to follow. I really didn't like the writing style. It kinda had no rythm to it, just sort of plowing along without any real end in sight. The bits of poetry were pretty good. All in all, I'd say pass on this one. Not worth the price. I would reccomend the other Crazy Horse by McMurty, I think. Now that's a good book.