Layers Upon Layers

So, basically, Galerie de Difformité took everything we’ve looked at so far this semester and compiled it into one book. She has elements of the uncanny—repetition of monster, deformity, things like that—and she strategically allows the reader to choose whether or not they want to continue with that theme oftentimes. Another thing we’ve seen before that Henderson does is the incorporation of and allusions to other works. I think at one point she referenced Medea, Socrates; she draws from different places and incorporates it in such a way that you notice it but it’s not distracting. She displays the form of highlighting words, like circling them, in a text; overlaying text and images—she literally brings together everything we have seen so far and it is absolutely incredible and mind-blowing. She even introduces us to something new and innovative when she includes the little boxes that smartphones can scan which add a new layer. Since I don’t have the app for it I can’t find out what it does, but I am certainly curious.

Undoubtedly, the book is engaging. Not only in the way that it is interesting because you get to choose what you do, but because there are even pages were you are forced to face yourself. Whether or not you choose to be honest about it is completely up to you, but she still gives you that option and I find that fascinating and truly creative. I don’t want to say exactly which part I’m talking about so that no one goes looking for it and ruins it, but if someone is curious and hasn’t gotten to where I’m talking about, I’d be glad to share. 

I’ll be honest. I was bad. The first page that tells you to choose a destination, I ignored and read onto the next page out of rebellion and curiosity… and then I was scorned and warned. I found that highly amusing.