Szmonhfu [Paperback]

Hertzan Chimera (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 278 pages
• Publisher: Eraserhead Press (November 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0971357242
• ISBN-13: 978-0971357242
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,085,712 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Hertzan Chimera died on the 14th of August 2004 after fourteen years typing like a madman. He will be remembered (one hopes) for his extreme short stories and subversive books that tried to break away from rational thought and tedious 3-act structure, works that tore down the barriers of taste and exploded the fixed genres writers find themselves having to cater to.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars 13 Disturbing Years, March 3, 2003

By 

John E. Lawson "bizarro author" (Hyattsville, MD United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Szmonhfu (Paperback)

It took Hertzan Chimera 13 years to write the novel "Szmonhfu." It took me 13 years to read "Szmonhfu." And like 13 years of my life, "Szmonhfu" has many ups and downs, good times and bad times. Kind of like that Dickens novel.

In all seriousness, it did take me a while to read this 100, 000 word novel disguised as a surreal painting. Why? It is rich with disturbing and bizarre images, and thick with plot and character. Plus, there is not a stitch of dialogue (which in my opinion moves a book along fast); think Hubert Selby.

What is "Szmonhfu" about?

I'm not completely sure, I may have to read it a few more times, but I was able to pick out a basic plot. There is this mysterious woman named Jane who is man-made by scientists (I think) and whenever she gets excited or aroused, her body explodes into something grotesque and unhuman. Jane starts lost and then discovers who, what, and why she is: Jane is part of a plot to stop an alien power from taking over the world (I think).

"Szmonhfu" never goes where you expect it to go. It bounces around from country to country, character to character, plot to plot, and genre to genre. But Jane always manages to be the core of the book, even if she has to change her last name from time to time.

The writing style is clinically cold. Chimera never really gets under his character's skins, expressing little emotion or deep reacting to their bizarre surroundings. But then again, if a character ever did act the way we wanted them to then there would be no story in anything. "Szmonhfu" is not for everyone, sadly. It is visually complex adventure filled with sex, violence, humor, metaphor, gore, science, and philosophy.pretty much the kitchen sink. The weak minded need not apply.

Review by Mike Purfield

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars REVIEW: by Brutal Dreamer of Hertzan Chimera's SZMONHFU, March 28, 2002

By 

Brutal Dreamer - See all my reviews

This review is from: Szmonhfu (Paperback)

Before you can appreciate his novel SZMONHFU you have to identify with the author, Hertzan Chimera. Therefore, I am going probe inside Hertzan Chimera's psyche and enlighten you in an exclusive review of both the author and the book SZMONHFU. "Hold on to your hats!"

It is essential you are prepared to read SZMONHFU and comprehend the diverse style and tone it is written in. Not just anyone can pull this caliber of writing off and conjure up a series impeccable sex and carnage because they fear the mediocre views of "what is acceptable, tolerated, and appreciated" from "politically correct" markets, readers, and editors. No bars held, Mr. Chimera lets it all hang out. (So to speak)

Hertzan's Chimera's extraordinary artwork, also is not for the weak tummy, weak mind, or the squeamish. His outrageous work of genius is only for the open minded and the unhindered. You will use your mind when you look into the coverart of SZMONHFU. That alone, will give you the frame of mind of Mr. Chimera and would even spawn a humbling reaction of out Picasso. Hertzan Chimera's perception is exposed in his story SZMONHFU.

From his 1990 release of "Red Hedz" ~SZMONFHU~ continued with his main character, Jane Louxis. Jane is a lip-smacking, mouth-watering character that has very loose morals but isn't always what you think she is. And her sexual liaisons are usually met with a gruesome outcome. The story is filled with brutal deaths teeming with blood and gore. Although, Chimera spends a lot of time in describing events in excessive detail you do not lose the mental picture of what is taking place in the scene. One factor I am convinced of, while you read about Jane and where she came from and what she is about; you ie the reader will be in awe at the intelligence Chimera struts, in his sequence of events that leads to each deadly encounter revolving around voluptuous Jane Louxis.

You will not be sorry you read this work from such a artistic novelist. The only thing you will be regretting, is you hadn't read it sooner. Get SZMONHFU and dig those teeth into the meat of this delicious treat and enjoy the vein it is written in.

5 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Amateurish tripe, December 19, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Szmonhfu (Paperback)

A ghastly waste of time. It tried to shock me, but I kept getting bored and wandering off for a cup of coffee. I really can't think of anyone who'd give a damn about this one...