Lux the Poet

Title: Lux the Poet
Author: Martin Millar
Published: 2009 by Soft Skull Press
Genre: Fiction
Pages: 198


There's a riot going on in Brixton, but Lux, poet extraordinaire, pathological liar, terribly vain and a kleptomaniac, barely notices since the love of his life, Pearl, is lost somewhere in the mess and he, high as a kite, saving the world from trash metal musicians, his hair set with KY and sugar, has to go out and find her, with the help of an angel who has to do 1 000 000 good deeds before she can go back to Heaven. Pearl, however, is more concerned with her film, which she must keep safe after her house burned down, and with Nicky, who she also has to keep safe since Nicky's more or less walking around comatose after killing her computer. There's also an accountant hunting for headhunters, heaven's devils, computer police and somewhat mad scientists running around, not to mention all the rioters and cops and ambulances and whatnot.

I can't decide whether I like Lux or Alby Starvation better. Alby's been my favourite for years and years, but Lux is... irresistable in his vanity. And Millar can sure write these stories with about a dozen or two characters running around, yet he's got all the strings in hand. The 'chapters' are deliciously short, so that you always want to read one more before turning off the light and going to sleep.

I pity the fool who doesn't give Lux (and Millar!) a chance.


"Lux has no idea what the riot is about. It just sort of started while he was walking along the street. When he first saw a gang of youths running towards him he thought perhaps it was some fans come to hear some poetry and was disappointed when they ran past without paying him any attention.

"This feeling persists, however, and the whole night Lux has a subconscious suspicion that possibly the riot is in his honour."