The Carrot Man by Theo A. Gerken – Reviewed by Guy Portman
The Carrot Man is a novelette about a manic Swede who is revolted by his new flatmate; an unhygienic, unindustrious, unsociable specimen whom he considers to be a carrot. Relentless criticism ensues, our whiney narrator lambasting the state of the apartment and his flatmate, particularly with regards to his refusal to take out the rubbish.
This existential comedy is replete with jokes. Some are offensive, few are amusing. The entirety of the story is taken up by the narrator, narrating. This lack of variety is stifling. More in the way of speech, pace and plot would have improved this tepid offering immeasurably. However, despite these criticisms this reader is of the opinion that Gerken has the ability to create something better and more substantial.
