Sullivan

Ah, "Sullivan," a title that rolls off the tongue like an old Irish folk tune, only to be swiftly followed by a sense of bewilderment as you wonder who Sullivan actually is and why he demands an entire book. Published in the not-so-distant past of 1977 by Pan, this tome appears to be a relic from a time when disco was king and everyone believed in the transformative power of polyester. One can only speculate whether the author, Walter Macken, had a particular obsession with the name Sullivan or if it was just a placeholder that somehow made it to print.

As you leaf through the pages, you might find yourself pondering the existential questions that have plagued humanity for centuries: Is Sullivan a man of mystery? A lost soul wandering through the absurdities of life? Or perhaps a dog with grand aspirations? In true Macken style, it’s likely an amalgamation of all three, wrapped in a narrative that will have you questioning not only the fate of Sullivan but also your own life choices. Was it wise to buy this book, or should you have opted for that snazzy avocado-green salad bowl instead?

Now, let’s talk aesthetics. The cover, a vibrant explosion of 1970s design, features an illustration that could only be described as avant-garde, if “avant-garde” means “I can’t quite tell what I’m looking at.” It’s a visual feast of colours that could either induce nostalgia or a mild headache, depending on your tolerance for psychedelic patterns. One can’t help but wonder if there was a fierce debate at the Pan headquarters about which shade of orange best embodied the essence of Sullivan.

But wait! What of the prose within? Legend has it that Macken’s writing flows like a pint of Guinness – smooth, dark, and with an occasional frothy dilemma. Readers may find themselves swept up in a whirlpool of philosophical musings and quirky character sketches that leave them questioning not just the life of Sullivan, but also the nature of existence itself. Or, if they’re anything like me, they’ll simply wonder where they put their reading glasses.

As you delve deeper, you might discover that Sullivan is not merely a character but a state of mind – a beacon of ineffable charm in a world of chaos. The book purportedly explores themes of identity, belonging, and the unending quest for purpose, all of which sound terribly profound until you realise you’re holding a used copy that smells faintly of stale tea and the existential dread of previous readers.

Condition: The book is in that delightful state of "used," which means it has survived countless coffee spills, existential crises, and perhaps even a cat nap or two. The pages are slightly yellowed, like the wise old sage of your local library, offering wisdom with a side of nostalgia. The spine creaks ominously, reminding you that while Sullivan may not be able to mend the rifts in your psyche, it can certainly evoke a spark of curiosity. If you’re lucky, you might even find a handwritten note from a previous reader, adding an extra layer of intrigue—or confusion—to your reading experience.

In case you’re still unsure if you’re ready to embark on this literary adventure, consider the following:

• A chance to get to know the enigmatic Sullivan, whoever he may be.
• A window into the 1970s that doesn’t involve platform shoes or bell-bottoms.
• Possibly the only book you’ll ever read that makes you feel better about your own life choices.
• An opportunity to impress dinner guests with obscure literary references. “Ah yes, Sullivan! What a tragic hero!”
• A book that may or may not cure your existential dread, depending on your reading speed.

So, are you up for the challenge? If you’ve got room in your bookshelf—or your heart—for a little chaos, a sprinkle of irony, and plenty of questions about the mysterious Sullivan, then this book is calling your name. Don’t miss the chance to experience the quirks of Walter Macken, all thanks to Crappy Old Books, where the only thing higher than the literary quality is your sense of irony.

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