Hullaba Lulu: a Dieselpunk Adventure
by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene
I’ve heard of cyberpunk and steampunk, but dieselpunk was a new term for me. If it’s also new to you, bookriot.com has the helpful article, “What Is Dieselpunk? Why We Love This Sub-genre.”
However, if you want to save time, here’s the main gist: “Most of dieselpunk is set in, or draws inspiration from the 1920s-40s, specifically between World Wars I and II. Some hallmarks of the sub-genre include advanced machinery, aviation, robotics, and of course, diesel as a source of power.”
Another piece of background: I’ve enjoyed Teagan’s short stories at her blog. She’s creative in blending ingredients from different inspirations, mythologies, and cultures. Not only in her stories, but with visual art. She puts together collages, and her short stories can be described that way as well.
What about this Hullaba Lulu? Teagan says in the book’s blurb that the main character was inspired by “Don’t Bring Lulu,” a song from 1925. You see, Lulu is a flapper from the Roaring Twenties. But we’re not in the regular Roaring Twenties, Toto.
We start in New York City. In Lulu’s grandfather’s speakeasy, to be specific. We get the sights of the city. We get the taste of giggle water. We get the sounds of the 1920s slang. Bushwa! Horsefeathers! Floorflusher, zozzled, and much more. These are neat for adding flavor of the time period.
The fantastical gets going after Lulu and her friends (Rose and Pearl) meet Valentino (a suave guy reminiscent of swash-buckling movie stars). Valentino owns a magical train that has automaton helpers nicknamed “angel-bots.” Also, the train’s dining car is an automat — a concept that has intrigued me since I heard about it awhile back.
On the train, Lulu, her friends, grandfather, Valentino, and the angel-bots go on a wild ride of an adventure. They visit an alternate version of Atlantic City. Then, in returning to NYC, they head into an alternate version of the jazzy joint of the Cotton Club. So Lulu is not fully in an Oz-ish fantasy world, but she encounters extraordinary elements. Including a tilt-a-whirl and a painted mural that can transport people to other places.
Lulu is a fun-loving gal who can be a bit clumsy, but mostly she has to be flexible to deal with the incredible changes that happen to her and the group. And she rises to the occasion when help is needed to save Valentino.
Did you enjoy Dorothy and Alice’s journeys into the wondrous? If so, check out Lulu’s journey. It’s unpredictable, and a peach of a story. I mean, c’mon, cheeseburgers are currency in this Atlantic City! A theremin is used for therapeutic purpose. And Nikola Tesla joins the fun. A fantastical ride, indeed.
Dave Williams 