PROLEGOMENA

Your host proposes a toast.

The times are too depressing. You open a newspaper . . . can you believe these people? You pick up the latest novel, the characters get you down. Let’s not even talk about the writing! What ever happened to the hero? Have no fear, your man is here, Anselm Thomas Merrywood.

Sitting comfortably? Feel free to fill a friendly glass. And pull the curtains, turn off the stupid show, boot the bothersome cat. I have taken trouble in the telling, deserve your undistracted focus.

A tale of trouble? Why don’t you wait and see! But remember, a man who has been through bitter experiences and travelled far enjoys even his sufferings after a time. Yes, The Odyssey! I pay homage to Homer? Well, Ulysses did cut some figure, , crossing the wine-dark sea. But let’s face it, the fellow failed to come across as a whole bundle of fun. You will find me a different story. At least you should.

Ten years! And no end of ordeal. Why did the Greek submit to the grief? Pining for Penelope, of course. My love story is also some saga? Well, the voyage was hardly plain sailing, I have to admit. At least I tell you the honest truth, unlike a sorry character of renown. And I will deliver the lashes he deserves. All in good time.

No, I wasn’t lost . . . altogether. So how about the time and place? How about a little more patience! But your captain is a generous man, will provide you with some bearings. And here we go! The voyage launches from the city of London, in my native land of England, although the log opens at the turn of the millennium, in the Golden State of California. Ancient history, again? Well, crew members were already glued to the computer, if not yet appended to a phone. And did I have some company! Not easy to keep track? You’d like me to tie your shoelaces as well! All right, all right, as another gesture of good faith, I will go to yet more trouble, compile a list of characters. The contemporary hero is a consummate host.

Cheers!

(The list of characters follows. How do we open the page? Not again! Just see below.)