Blah, Blah, Rapture...: Assorted Creeds from a Backwater's Bliss by Thomas Steele tells the story of Mae Gypsum, a 22-year-old woman who vanished without a trace. The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives, each offering clues about the events leading to her disappearance or hints about where she might be. These fragmented accounts form a mosaic of viewpoints, gradually piecing together the mystery. The story begins with Miss Mia Sanders, who shares her experience with a mix of wonder and unease.
Sanders recalls the moment she first sensed that something was wrong. While washing her dishes and gazing out of her kitchen window, she claims to have seen Baby Gypsum—a nickname used for Mae by her friends. Sanders describes her as a strikingly beautiful, almost ethereal young woman, her presence so radiant it seemed otherworldly. According to Sanders, this "goddess-like" figure appeared to float gracefully across her yard before vanishing into thin air. The sight left Sanders stunned, grappling with the surreal nature of what she had just witnessed.
The event deeply unsettled her, but Sanders hesitated to report it to the police, fearing they might dismiss her story as delusional or unbelievable. Still, her account of seeing Baby Gypsum quickly spread throughout the tight-knit community, rippling through the town like a toxic fog. Whispers of her story sparked heated debate; some labeled Sanders as unreliable or questioned her sanity, while others found her testimony chillingly credible. Regardless of where people stood, one fact remained indisputable—Baby Gypsum was missing, and her disappearance left the town shrouded in uncertainty and suspicion.
The narrative then shifts its focus to Officer Timothy Laughlin and his professional response to Sanders' peculiar statement. While Officer Laughlin is naturally hesitant to fully believe the seemingly outlandish tale presented by Sanders, he understands that every piece of information, no matter how strange, must be considered. Therefore, he dutifully accepts her account as a potential lead, incorporating it into his formal investigation into the perplexing disappearance of the missing woman.
The narrative continues in this vein throughout the book, with reporter and editor Jeffrey McKinney offering his own insights and background on Mae Gypsum. Each chapter unfolds as a new acquaintance of Mae's steps forward to speak about their knowledge of her and share their unique perspective on her strange disappearance. The entire book is structured as a series of compelling vignettes, presenting various explanations and theories for where she might have gone. Some of the characters, for instance, hold the firm belief that she might be a prophet of some sort and are convinced that she will eventually return.
All the characters in Blah, Blah, Rapture, are a vibrant and dynamic group, ranging from oversharing friends, eccentric neighbors, and complicated family members to the staff at Mea’s school, each bringing their own unique flavor to the story. Steele takes great care in crafting these individuals, peeling back their layers to reveal their complexities and vulnerabilities. This attention to detail makes them feel deeply relatable, even with their quirks and imperfections. Many of the characters are simply everyday people—flawed but likable—while a few stand out as inherently malevolent, adding an intriguing tension to the narrative. This mix of personalities ensures there’s always something unexpected around the corner, keeping readers engaged in the world Steele has created. It’s to Steele's credit that some of his numerous campy characters are irresistibly charming.
Questions abound in the small community: Did Mae really disappear, or is this all an elaborate ruse orchestrated by the Gypsum family? Could they be capitalizing on the situation, preying on the heartfelt sympathy of friends and strangers who can’t bear to witness parents suffering through the agonizing wait for their daughter to be found? The town is rife with speculation, wondering if the family is simply trying to rake in money from the outpouring of support. However, if her disappearance is genuine, no amount of money could ever erase the profound sadness and festering anger that consumes Mae’s parents, leaving an unfillable void in their lives.
Parts of the story feel like a dark comedy, exploring the aftermath of a young woman’s disappearance in a tight-knit community. As events unfold, the town comes together, but hidden fears and fractures begin to surface. Shock, sorrow, and fear blend with swirling rumors, creating a vivid and layered portrayal of human emotions. Darkness lurks even in this small town, and Steele’s sharp observations and engaging storytelling provide a compelling look at the complexities of human nature. His writing evokes shades of Cormac McCarthy—beautiful yet unflinching, raw, and deeply connected to the primal aspects of humanity.
Reviewed by: James B.
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