Labyrinth by Amelia Gray

Labyrinth by Amelia Gray (The New Yorker)

The word 'labyrinth' has always been one of those magical words that has a special draw for me, so any story with this title is guaranteed to grab me.

Having paid very little attention during Classics lessons, I am ashamedly unfamiliar with Greek Mythology. Although there is more than a strong hint to Hellenic myth in the first line, I was still unaware that Labyrinth is based on the myth of Theseus until I read John McElwee's interview with the author. If you are better read in the Classics than me, then you may see more to this story than us mortals.

The reader is dropped straight into Dale's backyard and the festivities of his annual 'Pumpkin Jamboree'. We are thrown images and colourful dialogue making the characters and setting immediately recognisable. Gray manages to break the rules of maximum-number-of-characters-for-a-short-story with grace by giving each a distinct face and avoiding naming them until necessary.

The use of 1st person narration gives the impression of a single POV but we are led through the story from Dale's POV as much as the protagonist. This is executed skilfully and at no moment are we uncomfortable with the switch.

I love the little changes of mood that inject humour into dark patches, such as the townie's reaction to his girlfriend letting his hand go. We soon become aware that this is the story of a journey - the physical walk to the centre of the labyrinth (not maze!) and the discovery of our protagonist's past humiliation and his attempt at resolution. The mix of dark drama and a biting wit keep the reader hooked to the end. To those who know the myth, the end may not be a surprise. For me, it left a mark.

I am aware that I may have missed some vital references, having not read the original myth. But, having read this beautiful rendition, I do feel the need to locate the original add it to next week's reading list.