Title: Pigeon
Author: Daniel Zadow
Publisher: XlibrisAU
ISBN: 9781543402568
Pages: 160
Genre: Science Fiction
Reviewed by: Liz Konkel
Pacific Book Review
Pigeon explores Simon’s journey of self-discovery as he pulls forth psychological manifestations from his mind which help him venture into the mysteries of the past. As these manifestations haunt him, Simon’s thoughts travel through time to Germany, Switzerland and France where he sees the lives unfold before his eyes. He has pulled into the past and sees through the eyes of Hans, Alexis, Jacques, and Darius. As the connections unfold before him, Simon uncovers shocking secrets of his past and his family, dating back to where it all began in Germany.
Author Daniel Zadow weaves through time, structuring the format around Simon’s thoughts. The story is reflective, framed in a way which follows Simon as he looks back over this journey and shares his story directly to you. Zadow plays with the idea of memory and identity, using precise details to explore Simon’s mental state, as these memories pile on top of each other and layer different aspects of which he then has to unravel and piece together. The story takes place almost entirely within Simon’s mind and through his search for identity as he struggles to regain his memories. The tone often feels sorrowful as he becomes overwhelmed by specific moments. He has a greater destiny which slowly unfolds as he uncovers different pieces of this complex history. The past is treated as a large puzzle which Simon has to put the pieces together in just the right order so he can understand all the answers.
Pigeon has a ghostly and eerie tone which is due to the presence of these manifestations which take on the role of ghosts from the past that both haunt and guide Simon. The shadows are similar to the manifestations of his mind as they have a ghost- like quality that’s dangerous and ominous, creating the first real threat against Simon. Zadow has a flare for language, using vivid descriptions that mix elements of fantasy and science fiction. Clever clues are placed throughout as Zadow uses specific phrases and words to tie Simon back to one of those haunting him with many of these phrases used to give Simon a jolt that sparks him to certain thoughts. Various phrases are layered together in order to build up suspense while also creating an almost overpowering effect for Simon. The most commonly repeated key word is the nickname Sea that his parents used to call him. He uses this to find himself among these memories and as a way to hold onto himself.
The characters Simon interacts with are primarily the manifestations pulled from the past, who feel like they take on different aspects of him. It’s two other characters that really stand out. Pigeon is the most unique, with a presence reminiscent of a ghostly character from Alice in Wonderland as he’s an eidolon of a pigeon that died in the backyard. He has a key role in the plot and he’s the one who sparks this entire chain of events in Simon’s life that pulls him into the past. Bluey is Simon’s dog who is seen throughout as a fleeting character, but he’s also one of the most important ones. Simon got Bluey in order to quell his isolation and to have someone other than his “ruminations and experiments.” Bluey’s role is to ground Simon to reality and to pull him back into the present when his mind wanders to these other events. Pigeon is a compelling read with rich details and vivid descriptions which pull you into a thought-provoking journey into the mind.
