The Crustacean codex

by Thomas Suárez

A most exotic tale of adventure that can be read on many different levels. It is a strangely beautiful story of two shrimps, inspired by a poem etched on a shell, who embark on an epic journey by hitching a ride on evaporating dew. The journey takes them to the very center of the universe. On this journey, they encounter strange creatures, ask profound questions and get cryptic answers to questions of cosmic importance.

141 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[Jesse · Rating 4 out of 5]

A whimsical storybook experiment, marshaling the author's considerable knowledge of musical theory and his philosophical, ecological, and social concerns. It's so varied and visual, it's hard to present a simple summary... a pair of shrimp, observing an ecological breakdown around them, follow a mystical trail of clues to find the center of the universe. The fish are colorfully anthropomorphized, along with the rest of the characters, who include mammals, insects, trees, and a few noteworthy humans. An impressive array of images come together in the service of this eccentric story, which glows with a blissful, spontaneous sensibility.

The Crustacean Codex is not propelled by any gripping drama; the characters don't have rich interior lives, and the conflicts are not morally challenging or ambiguous. Instead, Suarez has created an intimate, harmonious treatment of woven visual and conceptual motifs, and he has done so in clear, rhythmic language. It is a singular work, refined for close attention and appreciation, and if that sort of thing sounds like your bag, give it a read.