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Scarlet Thomas’ The End of Mr Y is a thought-provoking and challenging read. Following the story of young PHD student Ariel Manto, an expert in the works of mysterious Victorian writer Thomas Lumas, it keeps you guessing throughout and discusses some of the most deep spiritual and philosophical issues known in pop culture, all with an informative tone, accessible while being un-patronising.
Unlike some of Thomas’ other works it doesn’t take long to start, with Manto’s university collapsing into a weakened sewer early on and her acquiring of the rare, apparently cursed book, happening within the first chapters. The book, which none thought was still in existence, contains the ingredients for a potion which lets the character surf between other peoples’ conscious minds. Despite the fabled curse, Manto collects the ingredients and sets about making the potion herself. These actions take her on a frightening adventure.
The End of Mr Y can be heavy at times both in its content and the debates that arise between the characters. Thomas does, however, make such fascinating ideas as “thought experiments” accessible to those just wanting to read an entertaining book, and if you are ready to be intellectually challenged then you’ll see this is one of her greatest achievements with this book.