The other night, we went to a local bookstore to see Jeff Lindsay – who created one of the strangest archetypes in modern fiction. Dexter. Even Jung would be floored by Dexter: blood splatter expert with Miami Dade police department who is also a serial killer. Not just your ordinary serial killer (if there is any such thing) but a killer with a code that was handed down to him by his father, who was a cop.
Jeff tapped into the fascination with serial killers. Who the hell are they? What motivates them? What kind of darkness spawns them? But he went even farther. He gave his serial killer a family and the ghost of his father, his mentor. He gave Dexter a sharp-edged sister with her own issues. He created some idiosyncratic secondary characters. And above all, he gave his series humor.
Archetypes, another one of Jung’s inventions, represent our common experiences as human beings. When used effectively in movies and novels, they stay with us. Dexter is a keeper. He appeals to our dark side – but also our human side. He’s a monster, but he has a code. He kills with impunity – but the monsters he kills are worse than he is. Jeff has also given Dexter a rich family background, which has helped to define his needs as as a human being.
What we found so interesting about this signing was the utter rapture of the crowd – and the way Jeff came across. First and foremost, he’s a writer. That means he is supposed to be reclusive, hesitant about speaking in front of a crowd, it carries certain archetypes of its own. Well, Jeff defies our preconceived notions. He’s a riot. He used to be a standup comedian and it shows. He had us all in stitches. He probably has his demons, just as Dexter does, just as most writers do, but he’s also married and the father of three daughters. In his talk, it’s obvious that his wife, Hilary, is his bulwark and his creative partner. It’s also obvious that family is a big deal for him, just as it is for Dexter.
Family changes the dynamics for Dexter, also a father of three – two of which are his wife’s from a previous relationship.Dexter Is Delicious opens in an OB ward. Dexter’s daughter – Lily Ann – has just been born. His sentiments are certainly familiar to new parents – and to all parents with long memories!
We knew Jeff and Hilary before Dexter, met them at writers’ conference on Sanibel Island, a Hemingway event back in the late 1980s when our daughters were in grade school. She’s a Hemingway niece, but back then they were struggling, as we were. It’s uplifting to know that despite Dexter’s success, they really haven’t changed as people. And Jeff is funnier now, fully in his groove, and undoubtedly grateful to his dark passenger, Dexter, for improving the quality of his family’s life.
May you live long and prosper, Dexter!
Dexter is a fantastic character.
It is nice that fame hasn't changed your friends.
You nailed it, Debra.
I find Dexter fascinating. (Trish & Rob's stories about there adventures with different authors also make books more alive for me.)
The archetype Dexter holds is the part of the collective shadow: many modern humans have given up participating in rituals. We've also repressed our destructive urges. Dexter uses ritual to purify us of our vilest killers. Dexter is part of the shadow coming out of the closet so we can collectively face it.
The same is true with the recent popularity of the vampire. The current vampire material has the vampires attempting to co-exist with humans: which is a new development for our collective unconscious. Again we are starting to face a shadow element, and integrate it.
dexter's humanity is what makes the show work.
My mom is so paranoid about serial killers. (sigh). I love Love LOVE Dexter. I am totally intrigued by him and can't get enough. I plan on making a trip to the bookstore this weekend- will have to nab this new one!
I've watched several episodes, but felt a little uneasy with the character. But then I have a genuine fear of serial killers. To say it was well written, however, is an understatement. It is a great series and I have no doubt a terrific book.
oh, man!!! another can't-put-it-down book to grab!!! my stacks are now stacks within stacks – but – like the candy story, as cj says!!! oh, and for all those who've not yet grabbed ESPERANZA, check out my book review over at gypsywoman and my travel journal – BUT first go ahead and grab the book at amazon! run, don't walk! 😉
Oh Boy! Yippee! I've just completed reading all of the Kay Scarpetta/Pete Marino novels by Patricia Cornwell (graciously given to me by a friend!) and have been looking for a new suspense thriller. Here it is, or here "they" are! And am waiting for Esperanza to arrive. Biting my fingernails! Need books like a kid needs candy! They are my nourishment! I go into DTs when I run out of reading stuff! The Dexter books will be a treat, I'm sure. cj
Daz – he talked about that trip to Brisbane. He loved it.
I saw Jeff Lindsay last year at the Brisbane Writer's Festival (Australia) with my two boys (the youngest one [16] is the Dexter fan) and I would recommend to anyone to go see Jeff give a talk if you get the chance.He is quite the entertainer and he speaks from the heart,and I'm not even a fan of the Dexter novels or TV show.
Daz