The Exalted and the Abased

 

The Exalted and the Abased by Damian Murphy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve run out of superlatives.

If I haven’t convinced you of the brilliance of Damian Murphy’s writings in my reviews of Psalms of the Magistrate, The Star of Gnosia, The Academy Outside of Ingolstadt, Abyssinia, and The Acephalic Imperial, I’ll never convince you of anything. If any of these have convinced you in the least bit, read on . . .

While all of the stories in The Exalted and the Abased contain the signature elements of Murphy’s work: transgressions of rulesets, enigmatic processes, systemic bureaucracy (that may or may not exhibit “mystical” qualities), and so forth; (these are to be expected) there is a deeper feel to these elements, a moral (amoral?) dimension that, while not absent from Murphy’s earlier works, seems to be much more explicit in this volume. This hews closer to an esoteric primer than a work of fiction. Perhaps a series of parables? Because nothing is given outright. There is still a work for the reader to do, if they wish to reach for and possibly seize the reward.

Not every quest results in a treasure, not every question leads to an answer, and not every prophecy fully foretells the future. Such are the vagaries of "The Ivory Sovereign". Here, meanings are hinted at, but obfuscated. Potentialities arise, then, just as quickly, fade away. Revelations are not heralded by a resounding "yes" or "no". There is still much divining to do. The mystery-qua-mystery is everything.

Three of my favorite writers - Borges, Calvino, and Kafka - came to mind as I read "The Notary". Needless to say, this surreal, ever so slightly spry story caught and kept my attention. I don't want to give details on which aspects of the story seemed redolent of which author. That would take your fun out of reading it. Discover for yourself!

Amorality, gamesmanship, and a strong dose of trickery in pursuit of a higher knowledge, a higher being, are woven throughout Murphy's work. These tropes come to the forefront in "The Hieromantic Mirror," a longish (novella? I haven't counted words) piece that lauds the breaking of rules and the breaking of barriers. Here, the unknown becomes known through focus and determination. Will is everything.

Some of the most rewarding experiences are those in which you don't know the rules of the game, but find yourself in the middle of the action anyway. You might even be the focus against which the rules seem arrayed, so you push against them, carefully, at first, sometimes getting away with it, sometimes being censured. And sometimes you win when you lose. Such is the experience in the titular story.

"An Incident in the House of Destiny" reflects on chance versus destiny and which subsumes which. This is personified in two characters and idolized in two houses (which are more akin to temples). An incident is examined, but one isn't completely clear regarding the dominance of destiny over chance or vice-versa. Readers aren't to reach a conclusion, but are forced to contemplate and think, finding answers themselves.

The Exalted and the Abased is a challenging work, yes. But the best rewards are reserved for those who pass the toughest challenges. One doesn’t just read this book, one engages with it. One works (and does a Working, or several Workings) as one reads. It’s not for the faint of heart. Those who persevere through force of will, intelligence, dedicated practice, and a bit of whimsy will understand The Understanding.

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