A man bedridden by physical pain retreats into fragmented memories of his time at a bizarre institute studying holes, where science, occultism, and existential dread blur together in a hallucinatory, nonlinear narrative. Themes of trauma, the instability of reality, and the limits of understanding are explored through surreal imagery, disorienting structure, and a cast of eccentric characters.

Reader Review Summary

Michael Cisco's 'Black Brane' is a novella that blends elements of horror, weird fiction, science fiction, and experimental literature, centering on a protagonist suffering from persistent physical pain who reflects on his time at the Temporary Institute for the Study of Holes. The narrative is delivered in a fragmented, non-linear, and stream-of-consciousness style, often blurring the boundaries between memory, reality, and hallucination. The institute’s staff includes eccentric figures such as Dr. Marilyn Shitansky, who claims to have a thinking hole in her brain, the occultist Daladara, engineer Ernie Allegre, string theorist Dr. Liu, linguist Dr. Corngholm, and the enigmatic secretary Renbrui. The story weaves together themes of trauma, existential dread, quantum mechanics, and occultism, with the protagonist’s pain and emotional turmoil permeating the narrative. The book is frequently compared to the works of Thomas Ligotti, Jeff VanderMeer, and David Lynch, and is described as hallucinatory, disorienting, and challenging, with prose that alternates between absurdity and philosophical introspection.

Readers praised the book’s vivid and unsettling imagery, the ambitious blending of scientific and occult concepts, and the atmospheric, immersive writing style. Many found the prose to be striking, with passages that prompted rereading and contemplation. The depiction of the protagonist’s pain and grief, as well as the emotional and psychological depth, resonated with some readers. The eccentric cast of characters, particularly Gross, Renbrui, and Daladara, were highlighted as engaging, and the book’s ability to evoke a sense of unease and existential questioning was frequently noted. Several reviewers appreciated the book’s capacity to provoke thought and discussion, suggesting it would be well-suited for group reading or book clubs focused on experimental fiction.

A significant portion of readers found the book confusing, difficult to follow, or even inscrutable, citing the fragmented narrative, lack of a clear plot, and heavy use of scientific jargon as barriers to engagement. Some felt the story was excessively abstract, with run-on sentences and a style that could feel repetitive or exhausting. The non-traditional structure and absence of conventional resolution left some readers unsatisfied, and a few noted that the book’s experimental approach might not appeal to mainstream audiences. There were also comments about formatting issues in advance copies, which further complicated the reading experience for some.

The book is dedicated to Thomas Ligotti and is often described as a homage to his style, with explicit references to influences from literary horror, weird fiction, and avant-garde authors. The narrative’s focus on holes—both literal and metaphorical—serves as a central motif, explored through both scientific and mystical lenses. The novella’s short length was seen as appropriate for its dense, challenging content, and several reviewers indicated that it prompted ongoing reflection or a desire to reread. The book is scheduled for publication in July 2025, and while it has received a range of responses, it has generated discussion among readers interested in experimental and genre-blurring fiction.