In this story set in East Texas, a local seamstress named Chintana finds herself responsible for five orphans who are not only captivated by a storyteller’s tale of vengeance but by the long black box he sets before them. As midnight approaches, the box is opened, a fateful dare is made, and the children as well as Chintana come face to face with the consequences of a malice retold and now foretold.
The Fifty Year Sword
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Book Description
Best Value
Editorial Reviews
Review
“The Fifty Year Sword is a clever experiment in voice and structure, a prose poem consisting of cascading waves of dialogue spoken by five different narrators looking back on a single frightening night. . . . The joy of the book comes mostly from the physical act of turning the pages and scanning the layout, but the language deserves mention as well. In fact, some of the diction and words echo Lewis Carroll’s “Jabberwocky” or James Joyce’s Finnegans Wake, as separate words and phrases collide to make one and bits of words rearrange to form new ones. . . . A rare treat for devoted book lovers.”
—The Boston Globe
“This gorgeous trade edition . . . gives further evidence that Danielewski is one of the most gifted and versatile writers of our time.”
—The Washington Post
“[A] captivating atmospheric journey, one that defies the norm of just reading a book. Danielewski, like his undeniably creepy and possibly ethereal antagonist, isn’t merely a storyteller. He creates experiences, multi-dimensional pieces of art that don’t conform to one genre, and that beg for physical engagement from the audience. The Fifty Year Sword follows in the tradition of Henry James’ ‘The Turn Of The Screw’ and the work of Washington Irving, but in a distinctly postmodern context. It’s a beautifully haunting, resonant multimedia adventure.”
—The A.V. Club
“A seriously experimental confection of modern horror literature. . . . Composed mostly of dialogue, some attributed to various speakers, some not, some near-abstract drawings of needlework constructions, and a lot of white space—all wrapped in the pages of a very classy piece of book production—The Fifty Year Sword might be the oddest book of the year. In certain ways, it might be the most interesting and enjoyable. . . . I imagine people getting together late at night and, as they read the book aloud, conjuring up this East Texas night, in which immediate danger and antique fairy-tale horror come together, joined by the slender threads of this one-of-a-kind narrative genius, a writer a lot closer to Edgar Allan Poe than he is to most of his contemporaries.”
—Alan Cheuse, Dallas Morning News
“Danielewski echoes the oral tradition of ghost stories by employing the voices of five orphans to take turns narrating. . . . The writing itself occasionally hits on a detail disturbing enough to fall like freezing water down the reader’s spine.”
—Time Out New York
“I entered The Fifty Year Sword prepared to be bewildered, but . . . we’re drawn into the narrative. . . . A goth hero’s quest . . . a fairy tale narrated by a Greek chorus. . . . Mark Z. Danielewski might be America’s most successful experimental fiction writer.”
—Daniel Handler, The New York Times Book Review
“A swift, old-style ghost story with crisp, eerie illustrations. The text itself becomes blade cuts. The tale’s momentum and dark tone take over, speeding the story to its surprise end. . . . The Fifty Year Sword is a pleasure to read.”
—Chicago Tribune
“This strange novella is a new spin on Poe-esque ghost stories, and is being delivered in its new form full of beautiful (and sometimes beautifully grotesque) stitched illustrations, the colors of Halloween's season, and typography that actively follows what happens within the story. And so The Fifty Year Sword continues with Mark Z. Danielewski’s explorations of the art of visual storytelling, and what's on the line when it comes time to tell (or re-tell) a story.”
—Lit Reactor
“Absorbing, spooky, and playful.”
—Library Journal
“A sometimes arid, sometimes entertaining ghost story for grown-ups by pomo laureate Danielewski. . . .
Likely destined to become a cult favorite.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“This first American edition of Danielewski’s novella, published in a different form in the Netherlands in 2005, has the theatrical quality of a children’s ghost story, complete with stitched-art illustrations (designed by the author), sweeping themes, and fairy-tale tropes . . . This would be well-suited to an oral reading and may be best thought of as an objet d’art that chillingly holds us accountable for our worst thoughts.”
—Publisher's Weekly
—The Boston Globe
“This gorgeous trade edition . . . gives further evidence that Danielewski is one of the most gifted and versatile writers of our time.”
—The Washington Post
“[A] captivating atmospheric journey, one that defies the norm of just reading a book. Danielewski, like his undeniably creepy and possibly ethereal antagonist, isn’t merely a storyteller. He creates experiences, multi-dimensional pieces of art that don’t conform to one genre, and that beg for physical engagement from the audience. The Fifty Year Sword follows in the tradition of Henry James’ ‘The Turn Of The Screw’ and the work of Washington Irving, but in a distinctly postmodern context. It’s a beautifully haunting, resonant multimedia adventure.”
—The A.V. Club
“A seriously experimental confection of modern horror literature. . . . Composed mostly of dialogue, some attributed to various speakers, some not, some near-abstract drawings of needlework constructions, and a lot of white space—all wrapped in the pages of a very classy piece of book production—The Fifty Year Sword might be the oddest book of the year. In certain ways, it might be the most interesting and enjoyable. . . . I imagine people getting together late at night and, as they read the book aloud, conjuring up this East Texas night, in which immediate danger and antique fairy-tale horror come together, joined by the slender threads of this one-of-a-kind narrative genius, a writer a lot closer to Edgar Allan Poe than he is to most of his contemporaries.”
—Alan Cheuse, Dallas Morning News
“Danielewski echoes the oral tradition of ghost stories by employing the voices of five orphans to take turns narrating. . . . The writing itself occasionally hits on a detail disturbing enough to fall like freezing water down the reader’s spine.”
—Time Out New York
“I entered The Fifty Year Sword prepared to be bewildered, but . . . we’re drawn into the narrative. . . . A goth hero’s quest . . . a fairy tale narrated by a Greek chorus. . . . Mark Z. Danielewski might be America’s most successful experimental fiction writer.”
—Daniel Handler, The New York Times Book Review
“A swift, old-style ghost story with crisp, eerie illustrations. The text itself becomes blade cuts. The tale’s momentum and dark tone take over, speeding the story to its surprise end. . . . The Fifty Year Sword is a pleasure to read.”
—Chicago Tribune
“This strange novella is a new spin on Poe-esque ghost stories, and is being delivered in its new form full of beautiful (and sometimes beautifully grotesque) stitched illustrations, the colors of Halloween's season, and typography that actively follows what happens within the story. And so The Fifty Year Sword continues with Mark Z. Danielewski’s explorations of the art of visual storytelling, and what's on the line when it comes time to tell (or re-tell) a story.”
—Lit Reactor
“Absorbing, spooky, and playful.”
—Library Journal
“A sometimes arid, sometimes entertaining ghost story for grown-ups by pomo laureate Danielewski. . . .
Likely destined to become a cult favorite.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“This first American edition of Danielewski’s novella, published in a different form in the Netherlands in 2005, has the theatrical quality of a children’s ghost story, complete with stitched-art illustrations (designed by the author), sweeping themes, and fairy-tale tropes . . . This would be well-suited to an oral reading and may be best thought of as an objet d’art that chillingly holds us accountable for our worst thoughts.”
—Publisher's Weekly
About the Author
Mark Z. Danielewski was born in New York City and lives in Los Angeles. He is the author of House of Leaves, Only Revolutions and The Whalestoe Letters.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
14 of 17 people found the following review helpful
By A. Davenport
Format:Hardcover
I am biased towards much of MZD's work, though I am not a huge fan of *Only Revolutions,* because of the amazing impression that *House of Leaves* made upon me; so when I came across this title I was intrigued, but the price made me a little skeptical. After two years of debating, though, I shelled out the money, and I am not in the least disappointed.
The story is less experimental than some of MZD's other works, which some may find refreshing; but there is still an element of a raw-edge to the work. Characters are designated by small, colored apostrophes, and it is easy to forget who is speaking; creating one continuous narrative. The effect of this is mesmerizing and beautiful.
The one thing that is a slight issue is the price, and I would suggest looking around for good prices, the forum for *The Fifty Year Sword,* or T5YS as it is known among fans, at http://www.houseofleaves.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=15, is very helpful in this regard. The sellers at amazon, though, are always reliable and good people to go with. In the end I was happy with my purchase, because not only is the book undoubtedly worth it, but it is sure to become a sought after work in years to come.
The story is less experimental than some of MZD's other works, which some may find refreshing; but there is still an element of a raw-edge to the work. Characters are designated by small, colored apostrophes, and it is easy to forget who is speaking; creating one continuous narrative. The effect of this is mesmerizing and beautiful.
The one thing that is a slight issue is the price, and I would suggest looking around for good prices, the forum for *The Fifty Year Sword,* or T5YS as it is known among fans, at http://www.houseofleaves.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=15, is very helpful in this regard. The sellers at amazon, though, are always reliable and good people to go with. In the end I was happy with my purchase, because not only is the book undoubtedly worth it, but it is sure to become a sought after work in years to come.
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
By WEva
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
I am a great admirer of MZD's work, and T50YS is no exception. I actually tracked down an original 50pg copy from the Netherlands last year for quite a hefty sum, and am both disappointed and delighted that it is now widely available at such a low price. Don't let the number of pages fool you, it is exactly the same story, just reformatted to a lofty 298pgs with more artistic inserts and less words per page. It is no mater, the novela is just as powerful, filled with eccentric characters and an intricately woven plot that is so mysterious it will keep the reader coming back for 2nd and 3rd helpings. MZD is one of the few authors who is trying to expand the medium of literature while simultaneously interact and engage the reader. MZD reminds us that literature can be more than just words on a page.
17 of 23 people found the following review helpful
By Dawn
Format:Hardcover
Let me start by saying, I am a huge MZD fan. When I heard abot TFYS I had to read it. The cost was a bit much though. Finally, I got this book for my birthday and I was the happiest girl around. When I sat down to read it, I realized this book isn't very long. There aren't many words per page. It is, an excellent story, I read the book in one sitting. In fact, I couldn't put it down. But, for the price, I expected a bit more. If you liked House of Leaves, then you should read it.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
1.0 out of 5 stars
DO NOT BUY THIS!!!!!!
This book does not "work" for the Kindle. I was so disappointed! Do not waste your money! The editing is not right for my Kindle. Was an expensive mistake, too.
Published 27 days ago by bferg
5.0 out of 5 stars
Mark Z. Danielewski does it again...
First book I ever read of his was House Of Leaves, like most people.
Now this one.
Loved it.
Will be passing on to someone else, though I do not know whom yet. Read more
Now this one.
Loved it.
Will be passing on to someone else, though I do not know whom yet. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Heather O
2.0 out of 5 stars
expensive crap
This author's House of Leaves is one of the all-time most interesting, innovative, and brilliant books I've ever read. Read more
Published 1 month ago by White Rabbit
1.0 out of 5 stars
Har Rof
Once upon a time there was moo cow with pencil-rainbowcolored spindle and revolutionary ideas for shapes variations etc and the idea said back O, well if MTV books will not buy... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Joseph Healey
5.0 out of 5 stars
strange
I love Mark Z. Danielewski. I have 2 of his other books as well as this one. The story was good but can be confusing trying to read it with all the quotations.
Published 2 months ago by Cass
1.0 out of 5 stars
Much ado about nothing...
I read this at the library while my child was playing with the blocks in the kid's play area. I got absolutely nothing out of this story. Read more
Published 2 months ago by WILLIAM J. BOTTGER
3.0 out of 5 stars
An interesting addition to your other Mark Danielewski books
House of Leaves in my opinion was one of the best books written in the last decade or so, and it got me hooked on Danielewski. Read more
Published 2 months ago by jsteininger
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful and Intriguing
I had the pleasure of seeing the author, MZD, read this live in its entirety. This experience was amazing and wholly engrossing. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Zach
4.0 out of 5 stars
Little-Known Rare "Hipster" Book Now Back in Print
My daughter has some other books by Danielewski and she had known about this one. But the original printing was very limited and is almost impossible to find. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Enviroguy
4.0 out of 5 stars
Overall Pleased
I have not had a chance to read this book yet, so my review is based entirely on the presentation and material quality of this "Deluxe Edition. Read more
Published 4 months ago by ultraviolent
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