In a recent conversation, the acclaimed horror writer delved into the intricacies of drawing inspiration from fellow authors, her aversion to pathos, and the peculiar influence of Mickey Mouse on her latest collection titled Minihorror. Against the backdrop of Vienna’s opulent architectural landscape where every other building exudes regal splendor, where coffee is served by waiters in tuxedos, and where public transportation is not just a utilitarian service but a cultural experience featuring live Mozart performances, Barbi Marković’s narratives paint a contrasting picture.
Marković, a 44-year-old Serbian literary force, weaves tales set in the Austrian capital and its peripheries that leave readers with a lingering sense of unease. In her latest work, Minihorror, there is a pervasive air of the uncanny and the inexplicable that permeates each page, inviting readers into a realm where the familiar is twisted into something unsettlingly alien.
For Marković, the act of creative appropriation from her peers is not only a necessity but a tribute to the rich tapestry of the literary world. She views the process of borrowing ideas and themes as a form of homage rather than theft, a way to engage in a dialogue with the works that have left an indelible mark on her own artistic sensibilities. This interplay between inspiration and innovation infuses her writing with a depth and complexity that transcends mere storytelling, elevating it to a realm where boundaries blur and creativity knows no limits.
When asked about her stance on pathos, Marković’s response is unequivocal: she cannot abide by sentimentalism or emotional manipulation in literature. Her writing eschews cheap sentimentality in favor of a raw and unfiltered exploration of the darker aspects of human nature, delving fearlessly into the realms of fear, despair, and existential dread. It is this unflinching gaze into the abyss of the human psyche that sets her work apart and captivates readers with its uncompromising honesty and depth.
Surprisingly, amidst the shadows and horrors that populate her stories, Marković finds unexpected inspiration in an unlikely source: Mickey Mouse. The iconic Disney character serves as a whimsical counterpoint to the darkness that pervades her narratives, injecting a note of surrealism and playfulness into the grim tapestry she weaves. Through this juxtaposition of the macabre and the whimsical, Marković creates a unique blend of horror and dark humor that defies easy categorization, challenging readers to confront their preconceptions and embrace the unexpected.
In Minihorror, Barbi Marković invites readers on a journey into the shadows, where the line between reality and nightmare blurs, and the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary. With her keen eye for the macabre, her uncompromising commitment to authenticity, and her daring fusion of horror and humor, Marković proves herself to be a literary provocateur whose work demands attention and defies easy classification.
