- Hardcover: 320 pages
- Publisher: Canongate Books Ltd; First UK Edition edition (28 April 2003)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 1841953989
- ISBN-13: 978-1841953984
- Product Dimensions: 21.8 x 13.8 x 4 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 683,196 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
The Minotaur Takes A Cigarette Break
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More About the Author
Product Description
Product Description
Five thousand years on and the Minotaur, or M as he is known to his colleagues, is working as a line chef at Grub's Rib in the American Deep South. He has been reduced from a monster with an appetite for human flesh to a broken creature with very human needs.
About the Author
STEVEN SHERRILL is a graduate of the University of North Carolina in Charlotte. His poems and stories have appeared in such publications as Best American Poetry, Kenyon Review and Georgia Review. He lives in Highland Park, Illinois.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
23 of 24 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This off-the-wall, extraordinary book will encourage the reader to think laterally and suspend belief.
Five thousand years on from the myth, the Minotaur - now known as M to his colleagues - is alive and well and living in America. He has a job as a chef in a busy, fairly up-market restaurant in North Carolina, lives in a caravan park, has learnt the art of motor mechanics, acquired excellent cooking skills and watches as the world goes by.
Nothing seems to disturb the humdrum, day-to-day existence of M as, on a daily basis, he works, takes a bath, combs the bovine parts of his body, carefully treats the line where his body becomes man, manicures and polishes his horns, repairs his clothes, cleans his shoes, keeps his old car going, and makes interminable lists of things to do. The Minotaur has become a creature of habit - predictable and unsurprising.
However, we gradually realise that, even though most of M's emotions are suppressed - for example, he does not allow himself to feel guilty about those he killed and devoured in ancient times - he is very capable of liking, even loving. This latter is developed carefully, with surprises and setbacks, as Sherrill sensitively and sympathetically develops a heart-rending portrayal of loneliness in all its forms. Being different makes M an outsider - his horns get in the way from time to time, he likes to eat raw onions, he is socially gauche - yet he yearns to be accepted.
M does not necessarily like all that he sees or enjoy all that he does but recognises that the world will continue to turn so he may as well get on with life. An immortal beast, living through millennia, adapting his dress from togas through to modern-day jeans, liked by some, ignored or, worse, loathed by others, never really able to form relationships because he is so different to those all around him, he is a sympathetic character brilliantly evoked.
This is an extraordinary book, born out of an extraordinary idea but one which works very well and should be read by all those who like a challenging and thoughtful read.
20 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Think Edward Scissorhands reimagined by Ted Hughes and you're part way there.
The writing here is lyrical but not overdone. There's a beautiful balance struck between pathos and world weariness. The minotaur cuts a tremendously sympathetic figure, carving steaks and fixing engines as he observes the people around him bustling and chatting. He yearns to be included, but his inarticulacy and overwhelming shyness keep him on the sidelines.
When a pretty young waitress joins the bar grill where he works, he struggles to act upon the very human feelings stirred in his ancient heart.
This is an absorbing read and I recommend it very, very strongly.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
From the very beginning you begin to wonder exactly how the Minotaur (named M in the story) can possibly exist with Human beings. After being in the Labyrinth for five thousand years, the Minotaur finds himself working at Grub's Steakhouse. The book is full of characters that come to life. The Minotaur finds conflict within himself due to his half man, half animal instinct. What got me hooked on the story was the fact that the author (Steven Sherrill) displays loneliness and the need of human interactivity very well. The story also shows how Love is a very important part of humanity, yet the Minotaur only hopes to find it one day. The hope that someone will see passed his difference and love him for who he is. A dream we all wish and hope for throughout life. I couldn't help but relate to this story! That's why I gave it such a high rating. I couldn't put it down, once I read the first chapter, I wanted to go on wondering what happened next. If we were to have a Minotaur among us now, people would react the way they did in the story. Everyone has a Minotaur within them, we all want to be accepted and loved for who we are.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
The Minotaur Takes a Cigarette Break: Steven Sherrill
It may appear an unusual premise to have a minotaur who has survived since time immemorial working as a line chef in 20th century America as the central character for your novel. Read more
Published 3 months ago by N. A. Spencer
An astonishing good read
Seeing the title, I wouldn't have chosen this book. However, I am a member of a bookchat group and it was the given "read of the month".
I was amazed at how much I enjoyed it. Read more
I was amazed at how much I enjoyed it. Read more
Published 18 months ago by Mrs. BW Jones
It doesn't go anywhere
I liked the title, thought I'd give it a go.
It was an average read, easy to read but I was always waiting for it to lead somewhere and it never really did. Read more
It was an average read, easy to read but I was always waiting for it to lead somewhere and it never really did. Read more
Published 20 months ago by D. Caine
If I could only ever recommend one book - this is it!
This is the most endearing, hear-felt, thought provoking, sweet, sad and just lovely book I have ever read. Read more
Published 21 months ago by Lorraine Sears
Beautiful
I didn't know what to make of this book when I bought it. Now, I can tell you it's beautiful. Passionate, full of depth, warmth and delight. Never sentimental, always touching. Read more
Published 22 months ago by N. Kirby
Great Book
Love this book, beautifully written. If you like Magnus Mills type works this is a must.
Published on 2 Nov 2009 by K. Parsons
Sherrill serves up super starter!
If you've ever felt lonely or confused about life in general, this novel, a super starter served up by Steven Sherill, may connect with you. Read more
Published on 30 Sep 2009 by Michael Murphy
A Beautiful Examination of Loneliness
Everyone knows what its like to feel alone to some degree. Everyone's been in a room full of strangers and felt out of place and awkward. Read more
Published on 22 July 2008 by st_files
Excellent read
A very enjoyable book. An affirmative account of life and peer support in the bottom half of society's heap. Read more
Published on 29 Jan 2008 by Mr. Nigel JB McFarlane
Enjoyable read. The original idea would have deserved more ambition
This is a novel I bought for the title. The mixture between the banality of the action described and the mythological figure involved makes for a powerful combination, suggesting a... Read more
Published on 6 May 2007 by F. X. Dessioux
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