“‘It will be alright,’ he croaked out. Even his voice had become foreign to him. ‘It will be over soon.’” ― Marcus Hawke, You Can’t Take It With You
ON Christmas Eve, 1984, Montgomery Nolan faces the twilight of his life. To the casual observer, he embodies the essence of success—a self-made multimillionaire who has basked in the glow of a lavish lifestyle many could only dream of. His Manhattan penthouse, adorned with exquisite art and elegant furnishings, tells a story of achievement and opulence.
At 90 years-of-age, beneath the facade of wealth, Monty also wrestles with the shadows of his past, including heartache and sacrifice, moments that have left indelible marks on his soul.
Despite the encroaching grip of mortality, Monty refuses to surrender to despair. His mind is still sharp, filled with the fire of thoughts and desires that defy the frailty of his aging body. He knows that time is running out, but the spark of life within him remains unextinguished.
In a secluded corner of his lavish home lies an object of fascination: an enigmatic box, its procurement extraordinarily costly. Inside rests a syringe, promising the tantalizing gift of everlasting life. As Monty contemplates his choices, he grapples with an agonizing question: is immortality worth the price he must pay?
This auspicious night will shatter the silence of the season as author Marcus Hawke delivers a thrilling and melancholic vampire tale bursting with tantalizing themes of greed, lust, power, and immortality. Brace yourself for a festive narrative of blood and horror.
You Can’t Take It With You is a chilling horror noir imbued with a neo-gothic ambiance and a touch of delicious 1980s flair, exuding a captivating decadence through lush and vivid imagery. Hawke embarks on a haunting journey that delves into the profound meanings of existence, the inescapable approach of death, and a deep-seated yearning for more time—a chance to weave new chapters into your life’s narrative and rise anew, more resilient and powerful.
Yet, what unfolds when you forsake your humanity in pursuit of this? Who do you transform into in the shadows of such a choice, something which goes against the natural order of human existence, of mortality?
Hawke utilizes yet enriches the traditional themes associated with vampirism and the trope of the pursuit of everlasting life. He explores the profound and multifaceted nature of human existence and the steps one might seek to transcend humanity and its limitations. The novel aims to examine the intricacies of death, the fear of dying, the palpable terror that often accompanies leading up to it, and the dread of what is after.
Also, the story shines a spotlight on the haunting spectre of addiction, which can ensnare even the strongest of wills. The narrative shrewdly intertwines these elements with the complexities of the human/mortal condition, using the motifs of blood and immortality as vivid symbols of an insatiable desire for experience and the relentless, often exhausting pursuit of “fulfillment.”
You Can’t Take It With You presents a compelling and intricate examination of the terrifying toll of unchecked ambition. Its visceral intensity and disquieting revelations characterize Monty’s story, one which evokes a vampiric Ebenezer Scrooge (or aged Lex Luthor?) archetype. It plunges deep into the recesses of the human psyche, offering an unflinching and forthright portrayal of fixation and hunger for more at any price, inviting profound contemplation of the costs of pursuing one’s desires to the nth degree.
This is a candid exploration of the reality of not just fear of dying but of aging; this book explores the emotional and psychological nuances of confronting the inevitable conclusion of life. Is the prospect of living forever worth pursuing, or does the allure of immortality diminish the essence and meaning of living life in the moment? This thought-provoking question invites a range of perspectives, leading some to view the idea as a dark and desolate fate. In contrast, others might discover an unexpectedly uplifting, even powerful, new meaning for existence within unlimited time (and experiences).
Hawke’s narrative encapsulates a haunting form of existential horror—even psychoanalytic horror, compelling readers to confront the shadowy aspects of their own aspirations and the inescapable consequences that inevitably ensue when the limitations of being (and remaining) human are removed.
For any narrative deeply rooted in horror to be distinctly indelible, it must exhibit
more than the chilling physicality of “the gruesome.” Beyond the thrilling horror of Nolan’s physical transformation into a vampiric state, the profound psychological and emotional metamorphosis is just as brutally impactful. He evolves into a murderous monster, not merely through outward changes but through the darkness that seeps into his very soul, shaping his actions and desires.
As the story unfolds, Hawke skillfully takes his readers on a journey where they find themselves drawn to his creation, captivated by Monty’s humanity in contrast to his inhumanity. I was filled with a visceral loathing as I witnessed his descent into malevolence. Even knowing I should turn away in disgust, a part of me desired nothing more than to remain clinging to the fragmented remnants of my fascination with “mortal Monty,” leaving me in a tangled web of conflicting feelings: enthusiastic fixation mixed with abhorrence as he spiralled further into the abyss of deviant behaviour, a pilgrimage so well-crafted by the author.
You Can’t Take It With You is a quick yet immersive read, and author Marcus Hawke immediately connects the reader to the story. While it may not resonate with everyone, I appreciated the in-depth exploration of Montgomery Nolan’s reflection on his life, particularly his taste in music—this fanaticism reminded me of everyone’s favourite 80s fictional serial killer, “Patrick Bateman,” which I love!
Once the vampiric transformation takes place, the novel really picks up in pace and action. Detailed exposition may not be your thing, but I live for it, and it’s particularly meritorious here as Hawke isn’t providing a dense Victorian novel but a shorter tale of seasonal horror. Nothing is wasted; no parts are superfluous.
If you enjoy vampire novels, especially those that focus on the early experiences of a vampire learning to navigate their new existence, Canadian author Marcus Hawke’s You Can’t Take It With You is a must-read! And look at that f#cking fabulous cover! I mean…!
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