CanLit Rewind: A Peepshow with Views of the Interior: paratexts by Aislinn Hunter
Aislinn Hunter’s A Peepshow with Views of the Interior: paratexts is one of those non-classifiable books that, through expert writing and an assemblage of genres, recognizes a consummate reader. In Event magazine, Michael Mirolla said of the book that “Just about every page…provides a new insight into the world of language, imagination, the I and the other.”
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This year marks forty years of supporting and celebrating some of Canada’s finest literary presses for our parent organization, the Literary Press Group of Canada. To help celebrate, for the entire month of October All Lit Up will be highlighting books from our publishers that either helped launch a new voice in CanLit or made an impact at the press it was published with. Go on a CanLit Rewind with us to rediscover some backlist gems!Aislinn Hunter’s A Peepshow with Views of the Interior: paratexts is one of those non-classifiable books that, through expert writing and an assemblage of genres, recognizes a consummate reader. In Event magazine, Michael Mirolla said of the book that “Just about every page…provides a new insight into the world of language, imagination, the I and the other.” Publisher Palimpsest Press shares the story of this book, below.* * *A Peepshow with Views of the Interior stands out because it is the most unique title we have ever published. Not a memoir, not a collection of essays, but rather experimental collection of poems, essays, ideas grouped together that changes the idea of what a book is and how it can express those ideas. It is also a beautiful book, with raised metallic lettering for the author name and title and a luxurious image. Peepshow was a leap for Palimpsest, a risk, as it is not an easy book to read. We targeted a very specific demographic, lovers of poetry who love the marginalia of creating books. Peepshow challenges the reader by disregarding narrative and asks that the reader look at the components of a book and appreciate them for what they offer in and of themselves. Peepshow was also the beginning of Palimpsest’s beautiful collection of books, where care was taken to produce a truly exquisite book. From the embossed and luxe cover to the zephyr laid paper, Peepshow is truly a collector’s item.In the broader CanLit canon, the experimental nature of Peepshow allows the book to remain relevant, if on the margins of traditional CanLit.* * *”Peeped” and like what you see? You can follow along with the rest of our CanLit Rewind series, here.
