CYBERCHICKS IN LOVE

A much-beloved actor inspires fan fiction that takes on a life of its own in Dwyer’s debut novel.

In Australia, in the year 1998, Barb and her friends have been crushing on German actor Siegfried P. Hinkelheimer. When they can’t get their “Siegfried fix” through theatrical releases or video rentals, they turn to the relatively new internet and quickly discover a fansite, enabling them to discuss all things SPH with fellow aficionados from around the world. Then Barb writes a story set in “UnEarth,” a virtual world in which her avatar, “UnEarthly Barb,” has a chance encounter with Siegfried. Others contribute ensuing chapters, including Barb’s Aussie pal, Lottie, and webmaster Donna. Their collective narrative spins off into the SF/fantasy realm, with the Hinkelheimer fans as major characters and Siegfried himself functioning more like a supporting cast member. It’s a zany, unpredictable tale boasting aliens, clones, Vulgarian sailors, a Fairy Queen, and a crocodile that may or may not devour someone. Their celebrity adoration soon turns into an obsession as they spin the never-ending story. Dwyer’s novel smoothly alternates between the “Fantasy Saga” and the messages and thoughts from the women in the real world. The book cleverly satirizes fans’ devotion as an undying infatuation—that may suddenly transfer to someone or something else. The author weaves in copious parodies of actors and movie titles, ranging from the genuinely funny (The British Are So Impatient) to the outright silly (like an actor called Nicolas Birdhouse). The women’s ongoing story, though entertaining, is occasionally too cleverly meta as the characters/avatars question the ever-evolving plot, suggest others write themselves in or out of the narrative, and repeatedly check the “Rule Book on [storytelling] Etiquette.” Still, there’s plenty of humor, both within the UnEarthly fantasy and the reality of the women, as when Barb is offended by certain story directions others take (“‘Thanks a lot, Lottie!’ Barb yelled into the phone. ‘Blowflies and an emaciated kangaroo, eh? How dare you try to ruin my outback mansion!’”) Most of the characters get their own UnEarthly backstories, as well as retro-style black-and-white illustrations of themselves and their more fashionable avatars.

A sometimes uneven but gleefully bizarre otherworldly story-in-progress.