The Tyranny of Desire by Morty Shallman certainly defies all notions of traditional storytelling. The main protagonist is an anti-hero with an unusual take on facing existence head-on. Puchy Mushkin is a failed son, a failed student, and now a failed failure. This, according to his dad, who, in the same breath, adds that Puchy can’t even screw up right. Puchy himself wonders what’s wrong. He has been simultaneously crucified, cut off, and evicted so that he is forced to focus on reassessing his existence. As he acknowledges that he is a failure in life and a miserable one to boot, bringing shame and derision on his family and ex-wife, an epiphany strikes him. He realizes that since it’s difficult, if not impossible, to control the cruel vagaries of reality, he intends to do away with all his dreams and live with absolutely no motivation. But life, as he finds out, can be misleading.

Morty Shallman has created a fascinating character in Puchy Mushkin - an ideal study on why we lose motivation. Shallman’s intelligent narrative describes the way Puchy realizes that his behavior invites negative feedback, which results in his decision to live an unmotivated existence. Even more fascinating is that his lack of motivation gives the storyline something unique. Rather than procrastinating, Puchy gets into even more serious trouble. His proposed new endeavor is ironic, as it requires his very best effort to succeed. The Tyranny of Desire is highly recommended for anyone seeking a powerful philosophical tale about meaning. The forces that play their part add weight to Sartre’s dictum that freedom comes with responsibility.

In The Tyranny Of Desire by Morty Shallman, it's a case of a laugh a minute. Tired of the vagaries that the life of a freeloader has to offer, Puchy Mushkin is once again staring abject failure in the face. His unusually gifted phallus seems to be the only advantage he can point to but when one of his crazed lovers attempts to crucify Puchy and cut it off, Puchy decides it may be time for him to change his approach to life. His friend Shane whisks him off and provides him with a job and a chance at a fresh start if only he can stay out of trouble long enough. That does not look likely with the sultry Jacaranda putting ideas in his head when Gretchen is firmly in his cross hairs. Will Puchy have his way or will Big Puchy take a leading role in upending his attempts?

Morty Shallman's sharp tongue and witty method of describing his primary character's different adventures make for some rather entertaining reading. There is no way you will not join in the laughter when you realize how outlandish some of Puchy's thoughts are. The characters are quite detailed in their descriptions and their origin stories are thorough in presentation. The storyline appears a bit odd initially but the latter section is direct enough to follow comfortably. The Tyranny Of Desire is not your typical novel but the interesting manner in which Shallman uses flowery prose to turn a regular story into a comedic masterpiece is nothing short of praiseworthy.