Book: Darkmans

"Darkmans" by Nicola Barker is an intricate and surreal narrative that delves into the intricacies of history and its persistent echoes in modern life. Set in the town of Ashford, Kent, the novel weaves together the lives of its eclectic characters with a blend of dark humor and supernatural elements. At the heart of the story is the Johnson family—Beede, a hospital worker consumed by the past, and his estranged son Kane, epitomizing modern disillusionment. Their lives intersect with an enigmatic outsider, Elen, and her son Fleet, whose disturbing visions are linked to a jester from the 14th century. As past and present collide, Barker masterfully explores themes of identity, legacy, and the indelible nature of human folly. The novel’s rich tapestry of language and vivid characterization immerses readers in a world where the boundaries of reality are always shifting, compelling them to consider the ever-present specters of history in everyday life.