'A Fragment of Life' is a short story by Arthur Machen taking a close look at the life of a young couple who turn to spirituality for fulfillment and away from the unsatisfying banality of their everyday lives. They make an inward journey towards mysticism and an outward journey to the land of their birth, Wales. But perhaps they should've been a little more careful with what they wished for.
'A Fragment of Life' is an eerie and macabre adventure into the mystical land of Wales that fans of supernatural horror fiction will definitely love.
Jorge Luis Borges cited Machen as a great writer and an inspiration for the magical realism movement in literature. Notorious occultist Aleister Crowley also greatly admired Machen for effortlessly crossing over the threshold that separates reality and the magical realm.
Strongly recommended for fans of the 'Good Omens' series inspired by Terry Pratchett's fiction and starring Michael Sheen and David Tennant. Fans of the HBO show 'Lovecraft Country' may also find a true Lovecraft-ian treasure trove hidden between the pages.
Arthur Machen (1863-1947) was a Welsh writer of supernatural, fantasy, and horror novels. Before his literary career skyrocketed he also worked as a journalist and an actor. His major belief was that the ordinary and external world surreptitiously conceals something far more mysterious and bizarre. In turn, we are deeply interested in trying to lift the veil enshrouding the threshold separating the two. His most acclaimed works include the classic horror novella 'The Great God Pan' and the semi-autobiographical 'The Hill of Dreams'.
