C. Terry Cline: Damon

[vaughan]

Futura: First Published 1975, reprint 1981. 320 Pages.

As you all know, I am just getting back into reading horror novels. Looking through a bookstore recently I came across a copy of Damon - talk about memories coming flooding back!

I had read this in the past. I'm not sure when, maybe on its original publishing date, maybe on the reissue date. The cover is different from my memory - I recall the same picture, but the color scheme was different, purple and yellow rather than red and yellow..... still, maybe I'm wrong.

Anyway, seeing it was a "heart skips a beat" moment, I'd entirely forgotten about the book until I saw it in the store. Now it was time to settle down and re-read it.

And so I did.

Damon tells the story of a young boy, aged four years of age, who is affected by strange episodes of catatonia and seizures. Initial medical examination reveals nothing wrong, at which time he is referred to experts. Their first discovering is that he's psychic, and can read minds.

The novel is written from the point of view of the adults involved, with Damon reacting to his situation. The points of view primarily include his mother, his nurse, and most importantly his psychiatrist. And it's no easy task when Damon can read minds and has an alter ego!

What's interesting about this book is two things. Firstly it's quite technical, meaning there is a lot of discussion about the medical terms and practices used. The author maintains realism, but clearly recognizes that most of us won't understand what he's talking about - so he takes the time to make sure we can keep up with discussion (and conversation with the parents, who fill in for us with all the stupid questions). Secondly the author gives us a bit of a course in psychiatry, again to make sure we understand what motivates the characters.

Possession? Schizophrenia? Physical problem? All are alternatives, and all are investigated throughout the novel - with a conclusion that will, perhaps, leave some people gagging for more information.

I thought this was a good read. There is a jarring change of tone toward the end of the book that successfully instills in the reader the emotions of the lead characters. Good writing.

Having said all of that, it's quite accessible, and shouldn't be too daunting. It's not a quick read - took me 12 hours or so and I really went at it. But it's a worthwhile journey.

As it happens I didn't remember much from it, though I'd read it those years before. I've been reading quite a bit lately, and I'd say this was one of the most literary novels I'd read. Cline clearly was aiming for something other than pure pulp. I've not read anything else by him though......

Damon was something of a treat I'd been keeping for a special moment. I recalled it being 'good', without being able - in any way - to quantify what 'good' was. I was right too, it IS good.

So - I recommend Damon. A decent read. The only down side, perhaps the climax. But I won't ruin that for those eager for the journey themselves.....

Nice.

[andydecker]

C. Terry Cline - Damon (G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1975, hc, this edition Futura, 1981, 320 p.)

Cover found on the net. Thanks to the original scanner.

[dem bones]

Third 1978 reprint edition; "An astounding novel of supernatural torment and psychological possession. SOON TO BE A MAJOR FILM from the producer of ROSEMARY'S BABY"

Did the film get made?

[andydecker]

Jun 15, 2023 17:44:42 GMT dem bones said:

Third 1978 reprint edition; "An astounding novel of supernatural torment and psychological possession. SOON TO BE A MAJOR FILM from the producer of ROSEMARY'S BABY"

Did the film get made?

Couldn't find anything. So I think not.