（外文电子版资料）Tanith Lee - The Janfia Tree.pdf

The Janfia Tree ________________________________ TANITH LEE Vampirism is a recurring theme in Lees work. In this graceful, ambiguous tale, a woman with no hope invokes a dark god who may or may not exist, just to conquer her own indifference to life. Vampires often mesmerize their victims with their gaze. In a neat little twist the Janfia tree gives off a seductive, overpowering fragrance as a lure. After eight years of what is termed bad luck, it becomes a way of life. One is no longer anything so dramatic as unhappy. One achieves a sort of state of what can only be described as de-happiness. One expects nothing, not even, actually, the worst. A certain relaxation follows, a certain equilibrium. Not flawless, of course. There are still moments of rage and misery. It is very hard to give up hope, that last evil let loose from Pandoras box of horrors. And it is always, in fact, after a bout of hope, springing without cause, perishing not necessarily at any fresh blow but merely from the absence of anything to sustain it, that there comes a revulsion of the senses. A wish, not exactly for death, but for the torturer at least to step out of the shadows, to reveal himself, and his plans. And to this end one issues invitations, generally very trivial ones, a door forgetfully unlocked, a stoplight driven through. Tempting fate, they call it. Well, you do look tired, said Isabella, who had met me in her car, in the town, in the white dust that veiled and covered everything. I agreed that perhaps I did look tired. Im so sorry about— said Isabella. She checked herself, thankfully, on my thanks. I expect youve had enough of all that. And this other thing. Thats not for a while, is it? Not until next month. That gives you time to take a break at least. Yes. It was a very minor medical matter to which she referred. Any one of millions would have been glad, I was sure, to exchange their intolerable suffering