Brian Evenson's Disturbing Literary Journey

Brian Evenson's literary career took off with the release of his first book, a story collection named Altmann's Tongue, in 1994. Although it received limited reviews, the reactions varied from intrigue to shock, particularly due to its graphic content, which included themes of violence and mutilation.

A critical review from a Brigham Young University student led to an inquiry that ultimately resulted in Evenson's dismissal from the university. This incident prompted him to leave the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and pursue a career in writing and teaching elsewhere, including positions at Brown University and Cal Arts.

Evenson's latest work, Phantom Limb, is a sequel to his earlier novel Last Days and follows Klein, a former detective entangled with a cult that practices extreme biblical literalism. The narrative delves into Klein's struggles as he navigates a dangerous conspiracy while reflecting Evenson's exploration of violence and the complexities of the human mind.