Study for Boredom: the Harsh Review.
Book Club 2024. ‘Study for Obedience’ by Sarah Bernstein goes where it wants to go, but it may be too far.
It may seem strange to come back with a book review, as I have in fact not a single idea on how to review anything. But, I recently submitted a poem under Asterion, and explained that I might (maybe maybe) not publish again for a while, so I thought… would it hurt to submit a non-fiction piece as well?
First and foremost, though, you should check the book club list for this year. Don’t worry about being two months behind, you can pick and choose whichever title to read and when! I think…right, Sadie Seroxcat? [Editor’s note: YES! :D— Sadie]
This year’s books are:
- ‘A Study for Obedience’ — Sarah Bernstein
- ‘Legends &Lattes’ — Travis Baldree
- ‘Children of Paradise’ — Camilla Grudova
- ‘Time Shelter’ — Georgi Gospodinov
- ‘Earthlings’ — Sayaka Murata (I really want to read this one)
- ‘All the Young Men’ — Ruth Coker Barnes
- ‘My Body’ — Emily Ratajkowski
- ‘Poor’ — Caleb Femi
- ‘Ariadne’ — Jennifer Saint
- ‘If I Survive You’ — Jonathan Escoffrey
- ‘A Minor Chorus’ — Billy Ray Belcourt
- ‘Our Wives Under The Sea’ — Julia Armfield
The review:
Let us start with a confession. I’ve listened to it on Audible, and let me tell you, it didn’t help. In fact, just to cut to the chase, I think the book may be worth reading if on paper, despite it still not being (in the humblestestest of opinions) good.
Because how many times can someone repeat “yes” or other particles and interjections?
Generally, the book has clear directions when it comes to story, language, and psychological traits of characters. But it overdoes it. And maybe that’s the point, but I think it is even too much for something trying to be a lot.
The language is undeniably erudite, not forced, and compelling; but it does get lost in overuse and in a poorly distributed plot. More than once I had to go back several lines as I had drifted off. Worse, I once did not realise I was listening to a half chapter I had already listened to the night before. It simply is boring.
Aside…aside from some scenes towards the end of the book (if you’re going to read it or have read it: the couple of chapters after the scene at the cafe) where the story take rhythm and I found myself particularly drawn in…before losing interest again before the end.
The best thing about the book? The writer’s ability to really picture places, as well as a sense of loneliness.
Worst part of the book? The relationship between the main character and her brother. But I suppose that was intended.
