Avens

The ordinary name Avens -- or Avance, Anancia, Enancia -- signifies an antidote, because it was formerly thought to ward off the Devil, and evil spirits, and venomous beasts.

Herbal Simples Approved for Modern Uses of Cure

-- There are a number of rather weedy-looking herbs, common to woods or low land, known as Avens, _Geum_.

Seed Dispersal

In his afterword to "Isobel Avens Returns to Stepney in the Spring", Harrison writes

Archive 2005-09-01

I did read "Isobel Avens...", but it was after reading Signs of Life, which probably affected how I read it.

Currently Reading (and reading and reading)

To a certain point, I think Harrison is making a great deal of sense here, but the same argument that makes "Isobel Avens Returns to Stepney in the Spring" such a powerful and disturbing piece falters when transferred to the larger canvas of the novel.

Is There Someone at the End of This Rope? A Long Day's Struggle With M. John Harrison

Based on the novelette "Isobel Avens Returns to Stepney in the Spring" available here from Infinity Plus, Signs of Life is a tragedy about following your dreams.

Archive 2005-09-01

It's called "Isobel Avens Returns to Stepney in the Spring" and it was available online from Infinity Plus last time I checked.

Currently Reading (and reading and reading)

To a certain point, I think Harrison is making a great deal of sense here, but the same argument that makes "Isobel Avens Returns to Stepney in the Spring" such a powerful and disturbing piece falters when transferred to the larger canvas of the novel.

Archive 2005-09-01

Actually, I read "Isobel Avens..." after finishing Signs of Life, which had left me disappointed.

Currently Reading (and reading and reading)

Isobel Avens demonstrates an extension of it, which is to assume that what you want can be achieved without consequence, to yourself or others.

Archive 2005-09-01