Title: The Eyes

Author/Artist: Jesus Ignacio Aldapuerta

Publisher: Citical Vision (Headpress)

Media: Book

Reviewer: Pan

Anyone who reads these pages will already be aware of my interest in literary extremists, rebels without hope and wayward lunatics. Jesus Ignacio Aldapuerta scores on all three counts judging by 'The Eyes', a selection of 'emetic fables from the Andalusian de Sade'. Published by 'Critical Vision', the book arm of Headpress magazine (PO Box 160, Stockport, Cheshire, SK1 4ET and the book costs £5.95), this slim collection of stories is disturbing in extremis.

The comparisons with de Sade are apt only in terms of the tortured vision and the horrors which Aldapuerta describes. In many respects his writing is reminiscent of JG Ballard, and he writes with a spare, detached style that does nothing to detract from the often distasteful imagery and violent acts that he describes. This is not an easy book to read, but then who wants things easy?