Gormenghast (series) the outside world is implied; Dr. Prunesquallor at one point sketches an ostrich skeleton, while Steerpike procures a monkey from somewhere. Otherwise, the impression given is that Gormenghast is stagnant, insular, and introspective. A recurring theme is the time-consuming and pointless rituals that the inhabitants submit to regularly, the origin and purpose of which is long-forgotten. Gormenghast makes a stark contrast with the industrious and technologically advanced city, which is the setting of "Titus Alone". The story begins with the birth of the eponymous Titus, as the heir to the throne of the House of Groan, and finishes just over
Walking on Glass sight to be independent stories. Two of the stories are set in and around Islington in North London, the other is set in the far distant future. Eventually, links between the three storylines become apparent. Quiss's Gothic castle is a combination of Franz Kafka and Mervyn Peake. After saving Quiss from suicide Ajayi reads the titles of the books on the wall: ""Titus Groan", she read, talking softly to herself. "The Castle", "Labyrinths", "The Trial"" Iain Banks commented that the book "didn’t do exactly what it set out to do and I think you have failed to an extent if