The Atrocity Shop
by Kurt von Trojan
(Altair Publications, 1998)
* * *
This book has not had much exposure—perhaps deservedly so, perhaps
not. There's one thing for certain: the cover artwork stinks. I
daresay that this has been an influence on how many people have bought
the thing.
The contents of this book are hard-hitting, and pretty by no means. There are things to offend many. The religious undertones of the story could offend those who are dedicated Christians, and the strong sexual dysfunctionality sicken some.
The book is dated in places—having been written over 20 years ago, this is no surprise. Rationale for it not having been edited to reflect its recent publication was that the issues within are still relevant today. Perhaps so, but it would have been nice to see the extra effort on the behalf of the editor or writer to change things that are no longer true, such as the reference to East Germany.
Bonus Adulator, misleadingly named, is the one whom the book revolves around. We see his influence since the beginning, yet we do not truly find out who he is until the end. Is he the devil? Or the son reincarnate? Just to make things that much more confusing, around him are his 'disciples', who are trying to help yet do not trust him, and his actions are … in one word, deplorable.
Adulator caters to the rich in the form of his store, the Atrocity Shop. As named, the contents within are of atrocities committed down the ages. These are sold to the rich and famous as historical works … but as porn. The store caters to every whim imaginable, and yet is untouchable. Adulator deals not only in the store's merchandise but in one of the oldest trades of all … blackmail. He has his fingers in everything; politics, business, all.
All the characters have a mean, sadistic and amoral streak; we do not see anything of any other kind except for on the one occasion. We see those that are manipulated and victimised, and those that are not are those that have nothing but gain in their eyes. Only Simon does try to break away, but is ultimately sucked back in and made to perform something that breaks that last of the good within him. He does this for acceptance by a group of others that are also amoral, for all that they call themselves the Seven disciples.
A very dark book. Bleak to the extreme, it shows human nature at its worst and makes no bones about it. I guess it was one very disillusioned person that wrote this.