Are There Any Interviews With Roni Horn About Her Novels?

I’ve always been fascinated by biblical prophecy, especially the book of Daniel. The 'little horn' in Daniel 8 is a symbolic figure representing a powerful and arrogant ruler who emerges from one of the four horns of the Greek empire. Historically, many scholars associate this figure with Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a Seleucid king who desecrated the Jewish temple in Jerusalem around 167 BC. His actions align with the prophecy—oppressing the Jewish people, stopping daily sacrifices, and setting up an abomination. The vision in Daniel 8 is incredibly detailed, and the little horn’s rise and fall feel like a dramatic arc in a historical epic. It’s wild how ancient texts can feel so vivid and relevant, almost like a foreshadowing of tyranny across ages.

Roni Horn's works are deeply personal and visually striking, blending photography, sculpture, and text in ways that linger in your mind long after you encounter them. While I adore her art, I’ve found that her published books—like 'Another Water' or 'This is Me, This is You'—aren’t typically available for free online due to copyright protections. Museums and art institutions sometimes digitize excerpts or essays, though! The Guggenheim or Tate Modern’s websites might have fragments, and academic platforms like JSTOR offer critical analyses (if you have access through a library). For a taste of her style, I’d recommend hunting down interviews or lectures she’s given; YouTube has gems where she discusses her process. It’s not the same as holding her books, but her words carry that same poetic weight. Honestly, her work feels like it demands physical engagement—those layered pages, the way she plays with mirrors—so if you ever get the chance to visit a retrospective, jump at it.

I just finished rereading 'By the Great Horn Spoon!' and that ending still gives me goosebumps. After all their wild adventures during the California Gold Rush, Jack and Praiseworthy finally strike it rich - but not in the way you'd expect. The climax comes when they challenge the villainous Cut-Eye Higgins to a winner-takes-all poker game using the last of their gold dust. The tension is unbelievable as Praiseworthy bluffs his way to victory with nothing but a jack of spades - that same 'great horn spoon' from the title that's been their lucky charm throughout the story. The real magic happens after they win. Instead of keeping all the gold for themselves, they use it to rescue Jack's aunt Arabella from financial ruin. That moment when Arabella arrives in California and Praiseworthy - who's been secretly in love with her the whole time - finally reveals his feelings is pure storytelling gold. The book ends with them establishing a successful freight business together, proving that the real treasure wasn't in the gold fields but in the family they built through their adventures. Sid Fleischman wraps up every thread beautifully while staying true to the story's hilarious, heartwarming spirit.

Horn Dog is this wild, raunchy comedy that feels like it was dreamed up after a few too many drinks. The premise is ridiculous in the best way—a guy loses his beloved dog, and in his desperation, he starts a fake adult film company to lure out the thief, who he suspects is in that industry. Along the way, there’s a ton of awkward encounters, over-the-top humor, and some genuinely unexpected twists. It’s not high art, but it’s the kind of movie you throw on when you just want to laugh at absurdity. The cast leans hard into the chaos, especially the main character, whose straight-faced delivery makes the whole thing even funnier. There’s a subplot about him trying to impress a girl, which adds a layer of cringe comedy. If you’ve seen movies like 'American Pie' or 'Superbad,' you’ll know the vibe—crude but oddly endearing. I wouldn’t call it a must-watch, but it’s a guilty pleasure for sure.

I've always been fascinated by how historical fiction blends fact with imagination, and 'By the Great Horn Spoon!' is a perfect example. While the main characters, Jack and Praiseworthy, are fictional creations, the backdrop of the California Gold Rush is deeply rooted in real history. The book captures the chaos and excitement of 1849 when thousands flocked to California hoping to strike it rich. Details like the crowded ships rounding Cape Horn, the lawless mining camps, and the struggles of prospectors mirror actual accounts from the era. Sid Fleischman did his homework, weaving real elements like the boomtown of San Francisco and the harsh journey by sea into the adventure. What makes the story feel authentic are the smaller historical touches. The presence of Chinese immigrants in the goldfields, the use of donkeys in mining operations, and even the slang like "tarnation" all ground the tale in reality. The book doesn't just focus on the glamour of gold either - it shows the backbreaking labor and disappointment many faced, which matches historical records. While the specific events involving Jack and Praiseworthy are invented, their experiences reflect what real forty-niners went through. It's this careful balance of fact and fiction that makes the book both educational and wildly entertaining.

Roni Horn's work is this mesmerizing blend of art and literature, where every page feels like a conversation with the unknown. If you're new to her, I'd say start with 'Another Water'—it's a poetic exploration of water as both a physical and metaphorical presence. The way she pairs photographs with text creates this immersive experience that lingers long after you close the book. I stumbled upon it during a rainy afternoon, and it perfectly matched the mood—quiet yet profound. Another must-read is 'Index Cixous,' where Horn collaborates with Hélène Cixous. It’s less about traditional narrative and more about fragmented thoughts, like eavesdropping on a philosopher’s diary. The interplay of language and imagery is unpredictable, which makes it thrilling. If you enjoy art that challenges linear storytelling, this one’s a gem. I keep returning to it when I crave something that feels alive with ambiguity.

I totally get the urge to hunt down free reads—I’ve spent hours scouring the web for hidden gems myself! For 'Horn Dog,' I’d recommend checking out sites like Archive of Our Own or Scribd, where fan uploads sometimes slip through. Just be cautious; unofficial sites can be sketchy with malware or terrible translations. Honestly, though? Supporting the author by buying or renting the official release is worth it if you can swing it. The quality’s way better, and you’re helping creators keep making stuff we love. Plus, some platforms like Kindle Unlimited offer free trials where you might snag it legally!

Horn Dog has this wild, chaotic energy from start to finish, and the ending doesn’t disappoint. Without spoiling too much, it wraps up with a mix of absurd humor and unexpected heart. The protagonist’s journey—from this over-the-top, hormone-driven mess to someone who kinda sorta learns a lesson—is both ridiculous and weirdly touching. The final scenes double down on the raunchy comedy, but there’s a hint of growth that makes you go, 'Okay, maybe there’s a soul under all that chaos.' It’s not deep cinema, but it’s a blast if you’re into crude, unapologetic humor. I love how it doesn’t take itself seriously. The ending leans into the absurdity, with a few callbacks to earlier gags that tie everything together. It’s the kind of movie where you’re either laughing or groaning, but either way, you’re entertained. The last shot is pure chaos, and honestly, it’s the perfect way to close out such a ridiculous story.