215 – Sofia Ajram & The Architecture of Despair

Send us a text Hold hands, we need to stick together.   This week’s episode plunges us into the impossible and endless dark, with Sofia Ajram and her experimental, existential headf*ck of a debut novella, Coup de Grâce. It’s the tale of a man who gets lost in an endless subway station – and the monsters inside (and inside himself)   We talk about everything from the mythical history of mazes, to legends of the early internet,  the mystery of Elisa Lam and what Sonic the Hedgehog has to tell us about the readers role in a story. Plus, a fair bit of chat about mental health, depression and suicidal ideation.   That makes it sound a lot less fun than it is, but only fair to warn you.   This is an episode for the adventurous and terminally online.   Enjoy.   Other books mentioned: I Am the River (2018), by T.E. Grau Water Statues (1980), by Fleur Jaeggy Misery (1987), by Stephen King House of Leaves (2000), by Mark Z. Danielewski   Support Talking Scared on Patreon   Come talk books on Twitter @talkscaredpod, on Instagram, or email direct to [email protected]     Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices