“The Minotaur Takes a Cigarette Break” is a novel by Steven Sherrill that tells the story of a mythical creature trying to navigate life in the modern world. The novel is a unique blend of fantasy and realism that explores themes of loneliness, isolation, and the struggle to fit in.
The novel follows the Minotaur, a half-man, half-bull creature from Greek mythology, as he tries to adjust to life in the American South. No longer a devourer of human flesh, the Minotaur finds himself working as a line cook at a steakhouse and living in a trailer park. Despite his attempts to blend in with human society, he remains a socially awkward and lonely creature with very human needs.
Sherrill’s debut novel has received critical acclaim for its imaginative and thought-provoking storyline. The novel has been translated into eight languages and was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. It is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of human nature through the eyes of a mythical creature.
The Life of the Minotaur
The Minotaur, a half-man and half-bull creature, finds himself living in a trailer park in the American South, working as a line cook at a steakhouse. He is no longer the devourer of human flesh and has human needs. He is a socially inept and lonely creature who wakes up in the center of his narrow bed without an alarm clock.
The Minotaur lives in a mobile home that is haphazardly furnished by the long-dead wife of his landlord. It is one of the five trailers laid out end to end, horseshoe fashion, around a small plot of crabgrass, mimosas, and dogwoods. He has been living in the trailer park for a long time, and his life has dissolved into chaos.
Despite his unusual appearance, the Minotaur tries to fit in with the people around him. He enjoys smoking cigarettes and has a habit of taking cigarette breaks. He is also fond of listening to music and playing his guitar, which he taught himself how to play. The Minotaur is a complex character who is trying to find his place in the world and live a normal life like everyone else.
Characters and Relationships
Minotaur: The Protagonist
The Minotaur is the protagonist of “The Minotaur Takes a Cigarette Break”. He is a socially awkward and lonely creature, who finds himself living in a trailer park in the American South and working as a line cook at a steakhouse. Despite his past as a devourer of human flesh, the Minotaur is now a reformed character, who is trying to live a normal life. He has very human needs, such as the desire for companionship and love. The Minotaur’s relationship with his co-worker Kelly is a central part of the story.
Supporting Cast
Kelly is the new waitress at the steakhouse where the Minotaur works. She is the object of the Minotaur’s affection, and he is drawn to her kind and gentle nature. Their relationship is complicated by the fact that the Minotaur is a mythical creature and Kelly is a human being.
The other characters in the novel are the Minotaur’s colleagues at the steakhouse, including the head chef, the dishwasher, and the other line cooks. They are a diverse group of people, each with their own quirks and personalities. The Minotaur’s interactions with them provide insight into his character and the challenges he faces as he tries to fit in with human society.
Setting and Atmosphere
The Restaurant
The restaurant where the Minotaur works as a line cook is a typical American steakhouse located in the Southern United States. The atmosphere is described as mundane and routine, with the daily grind of kitchen work taking center stage. The author, Steven Sherrill, uses vivid descriptions to bring the restaurant to life, from the sizzling of the grill to the sound of dishes clattering in the sink. The restaurant serves as a backdrop for the Minotaur’s struggles with loneliness and social awkwardness, as he tries to navigate the complexities of human relationships.
The Trailer Park
The trailer park where the Minotaur lives is a run-down community on the outskirts of town. The trailers are described as haphazardly furnished and surrounded by crab grass and dogwoods. The Minotaur’s trailer is particularly dilapidated, with old furniture left behind by the previous tenant. The author uses the trailer park as a metaphor for the Minotaur’s isolation and sense of displacement in the modern world. Despite his efforts to fit in with the human community, he is always an outsider, a creature from another time and place.
Themes and Motifs
Isolation
The Minotaur Takes a Cigarette Break by Steven Sherrill explores the theme of isolation through the character of the Minotaur. The Minotaur, having lived for over 5,000 years, finds himself living in a trailer park and working as a line cook at a steakhouse in the American South. He is socially inept and struggles to connect with those around him, leading him to feel isolated and alone. This theme is further emphasized by the physical setting of the novel, which takes place in a small, rundown trailer park, isolated from the rest of society.
Identity
Identity is another major theme in the novel. The Minotaur, having been a creature of legend and myth, struggles to come to terms with his new identity as a socially inept line cook. He is no longer the devourer of human flesh that he once was, but he still struggles to find his place in the world. This struggle is further emphasized by the fact that he is the only one of his kind, making it difficult for him to relate to others and find a sense of belonging.
Routine
The theme of routine is also explored in The Minotaur Takes a Cigarette Break. The Minotaur’s daily routine of waking up, smoking a cigarette, and going to work is a reflection of his monotony and lack of excitement in life. His routine is further emphasized by the physical setting of the trailer park, which is a place of stagnation and routine for many of its residents. The novel suggests that routine can be both comforting and suffocating, and that breaking out of routine can be a difficult but necessary step towards personal growth.
Narrative Structure
The Minotaur Takes a Cigarette Break by Steven Sherrill is a novel that is divided into three parts, each of which is further divided into chapters. The narrative structure of the book is non-linear, with flashbacks and memories interwoven into the present-day events.
The story is told from the Minotaur’s point of view, which allows the reader to experience his thoughts and emotions. The use of first-person narration also helps to create a more intimate connection between the reader and the Minotaur.
The author uses a variety of literary devices to convey the Minotaur’s experiences, including metaphors, similes, and vivid descriptions. The use of figurative language helps to create a more immersive and engaging reading experience.
Overall, the narrative structure of The Minotaur Takes a Cigarette Break is well-crafted and adds depth to the story. The use of non-linear storytelling and first-person narration allows the reader to experience the Minotaur’s journey in a unique and compelling way.
Literary Style and Language
Steven Sherrill’s writing style in “The Minotaur Takes a Cigarette Break” is both poetic and raw. He uses vivid imagery and metaphors to bring the Minotaur’s world to life. Sherrill’s language is often lyrical, with a rhythm that mimics the Minotaur’s footsteps as he moves through his daily routine.
The author’s use of language is also reflective of the Minotaur’s character. The Minotaur is a creature of few words, and his interactions with others are often awkward and stilted. Sherrill captures this beautifully in his writing, using short, simple sentences to convey the Minotaur’s thoughts and feelings.
Throughout the novel, Sherrill also explores themes of isolation and loneliness. He does this by using language that is both introspective and melancholic. The Minotaur’s inner monologue is often filled with regret and longing, which Sherrill conveys through his use of metaphor and symbolism.
Overall, Sherrill’s literary style and language in “The Minotaur Takes a Cigarette Break” are a perfect match for the novel’s themes and characters. His writing is both beautiful and haunting, and it leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
Symbolism
The Minotaur Takes a Cigarette Break is a novel that is rich in symbolism. The Minotaur, a creature from Greek mythology, represents the struggle between man and beast. His human-like qualities, such as his loneliness and social ineptitude, highlight the universal human experience of feeling isolated and disconnected from others.
The cigarette that the Minotaur takes breaks to smoke is symbolic of his desire for normalcy and his attempt to fit in with human society. The act of smoking itself can be seen as a metaphor for the Minotaur’s struggle to control his primal instincts.
The trailer park where the Minotaur lives and works as a line cook at a steakhouse symbolizes the confinement and limitations of his current existence. The mundane nature of his job and surroundings contrast with his mythological origins, highlighting the Minotaur’s displacement and disconnection from his true identity.
Reception and Impact
The Minotaur Takes a Cigarette Break by Steven Sherrill has received positive reviews from both readers and critics. The book has been praised for its unique take on the Greek mythological character, the Minotaur, and its exploration of human emotions.
The novel has been translated into eight languages and has won several awards, including the Independent Publisher Book Award and the American Library Association Alex Award. It has also been selected as a book club pick by several organizations.
The Minotaur Takes a Cigarette Break has had a significant impact on the literary world, inspiring other authors to explore unconventional characters and themes. The book’s success has also led to a sequel, The Minotaur Takes His Own Sweet Time, which continues the story of the Minotaur’s life in the American South.