Book Title: Damn of the Saga: The tale of The Anguished Man and His Car
ISBN: 978-967-2298-73-1
Author: M. Rifqi Rafiuddin
Publisher: UNIMAS Publisher
Publication Year: 2022
Price: USD16.00
By James Wong
The iris of his eyes changed white again and like before, he placed both his hands on the steering wheel and started the car. He reversed the car into the streets. And headed off to wherever their hearts desired.
– M. Rifqi Rafiuddin
Rafiuddin’s latest horror work offered a fresh spin on the conventional horror trope.
It blends supernatural horror with psychological thriller into a compelling read that keeps readers on the edge on their seat.
The novel explores the complex relationship of a mistaken convict, Jazztar, and his spirit-possessed Proton Saga.
After acquiring the car from a second-hand dealer, terrors ensued, and his life took a dark turn.
His father died in a crash involving the car, and Jazztar was mentally disturbed by the news.
In a fit of rage and under the influence of the haunted car, he attempted to murder his friend, leading to his conviction and a 10-year prison sentence.
During his incarceration, he fell in love with a journalist named Johana. Despite the jail sentence, their love grew stronger.
Following his release from prison, the two arranged a marriage and had a family with three children, Ashraf, Jenad and Pixie.
However, the new change in life and a new blessed family did not last long.
The presence of the possessed car casted a shadow over their lives, and the spirit within the car drove him into making decisions that put him and his family at risk.
One fateful morning, his son Ashraf disappeared without a trace, which was a turning point that led to the unravelling of Jazztar’s family.
As they dealt with the aftermath, they began to unravel the mystery of the Proton Saga and the spirit that possessed it.
As Jazztar began to suspect the car for the disappearance of his son, his mental health started to suffer.
A series of unfortunate events followed, and the situation for his family went from bad to worse.
The spirit of the car continued to torture and guilt-trip him into what it wants and eventually leading to the demise of his family. The ‘disappearance’ of his family became an urban legend in the town they lived in.
The concept of a possessed car may seem far-fetched, but Rafiuddin’s writing makes it an interesting yet terrifying premise.
The car is not just a physical object but a character in its own right, possessing the protagonist and leading him to make questionable decisions.
Additionally, one of the strongest aspects of the book is the characterisation of Jazztar. He was portrayed as a complex and multifaceted character, one who is not simply a victim of circumstances.
Despite being convicted with attempted murder and subsequently refused to abandon the car, readers are still able to sympathise with the protagonist.
At first, his fascination with the car seems irrational, but as the story unfolds, Rafiuddin has a way of triggering cognitive dissonance in readers, persuading them to side with Jazztar.
Furthermore, Jazztar’s obsession with the car is not just a plot device but a window into his psyche.
Through Jazztar’s relationship with the car, Rafiuddin is able to explore themes of obsession, trauma, and the human psyche.
One notable aspect is the impact of trauma on Jazztar, as his past continued to haunt him and shape his actions. This is seen in his desperate need for control over his surroundings and his unwillingness to let go of the car despite the danger it poses to his family.
The car can be understood as a symbol for the protagonist’s inner turmoil, and as the story unfolds, the reader gains a deeper understanding of Jazztar’s motivations and struggles.
The internal struggle of Jazztar was also masterfully portrayed as the writer delved deeper into the supernatural forces at play.
The writing of this book is atmospheric yet provocative, creating a sense of unease throughout the novel, which is a testament of the author’s writing skills.
In addition, the use of short chapters and vivid descriptions makes for a fast and enjoyable read.
Overall, this book is recommended to those interested in the horror genre of novels, as readers are likely to find Rafiuddin’s novel a thrilling and unique experience.
