In Episode 524, Ryan and Jose are joined by David Blair for another Book Club of Blood episode. This time, we cover "Scape-goats".

This is the Clive Barker Podcast, where long-time fans Ryan and Jose interview guests, bring you the news, and take deep dives into Barker-related stuff. This episode will be available in Podcast Audio and Youtube Video.

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Book Club of Blood Discussion:

Books. Of Blood Vol. 3 | Confessions of a (Pornographer's) Shroud

Show Notes

Adapted in Tapping the Vein Book 3
Episode 4 : Books of Blood Volume 3
The Jumblies - Poetry Foundation
The Funeral Mound of Barpa Langais in the Outer Hebrides
Nightmares in Blood Portfolio with Scape Goats plate

Feedback / Questions

Coming Next

Clive's Contemporary Commentaries : 1985 - VOTE
Portrait Study
News and Interviews

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David Anderson
Erik Van T' Holt
Daniel Elven
Amanda Stewart
Bradley Gartz
Matthew Batten
Bennett
Jesse
Clara Leslie
Timothy Ramakers
Terry Murdock
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AI Summary

Madness on the Hebrides Island

The group discussed Clive Barker's story "The Yacht of Madness," focusing on its dark and atmospheric setting on an unnamed Hebrides island. They explored themes of desecration, the supernatural, and the island's role as a burial mound for naval casualties. The characters' unsympathetic and mechanical interactions, particularly Jonathan's brutal treatment of the sheep, contributed to the story's grim outcome. The group also examined the story's connections to historical and literary references, including the scapegoat tradition and the poem "The Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner."

Exploring 'The Sea Change

The group discussed Clive Barker's short story "The Sea Change," focusing on its unsettling themes and narrative elements. They explored the story's depiction of the afterlife, where souls are trapped in decomposing bodies, and the role of ritual offerings to appease the dead. The conversation highlighted the story's use of onomatopoeia to describe the sea's movements and its symbolic representation of death as a circular process. The group also discussed the characters' unlikable nature and lack of friendship, as well as the open question of whether the ritual would need to be repeated by future generations.

Scapegoats" Symbolism and Adaptation

The group discussed the story "Scapegoats," focusing on its themes of emotional emptiness and crossing thresholds into unknown spaces. They analyzed the symbolism of the sheep and the characters' disregard for rituals and obligations. The conversation concluded with a discussion about the potential for an animated adaptation of Clive Barker's "Books of Blood" series, though rights issues would make such a project challenging.

Clive Barker's Scapegoats Discussion

The group discussed Clive Barker's "Scapegoats," noting its detached narrative and themes of ennui. They explored artistic depictions of the story, including a Dave McKeon cover and a Steve Fabian painting. Ryan announced upcoming episodes on Clive's Contemporaries and a new interview with Michael Pumetiz, who is also developing a Nocturnity movie. José shared insights on the Portuguese fishing community and its superstitions, drawing parallels to the story. The group also discussed the challenges of recording interviews and the potential for a movie adaptation of Pumetiz's work.

524 : Book Club of Blood - Scape-goats