Yeah, the pitfall of this genre is that it all just becomes an exercise in narcissism with the same narrow class of people (with superficial diversity) getting indulged to feel as though their mundane lives are more book-worthy and aspirational than others.
I do think "I'm A Fan" is a notable exception though because the protagonist is so genuinely cringeworthy (in the best sense possible) that the novel seems like it's about more than the author's desire to be seen through a carefully crafted image via her avatar protagonist. Because who'd ever want to be seen as that protagonist in that book?
You make a good point about I’m a Fan, I can see how it would stand out from these others - the protagonist is certainly a lot less romantic. I think I just found myself personally tiring of that voice very quickly, though the first half left me very entertained
Great piece. I think what makes plot-driven books so exciting is that the stakes are just higher, and that leads to more emotional investment in the story. Without those high stakes these plot-less novels rely on either relatability (Normal People) or cringe factor (like in I’m a Fan or MYORAR).
I really hated "My year of rest and relaxation"! "I'm a Fan" is also a bit annoying, but at least gives you something. Thank you for putting my dislike into words.
"I’m not necessarily looking for a rock-solid woman to lead a story, but I’m growing tired of reading about the same disaffected one, who is resistant to any kind of uplifting change, again and again." definitely!!! I confess I'm a fan of half of Rooney's work and I think you're right that there's a place for the 20-something sufferer of ennui, but it's such a refreshing change of pace when the main character pursues something instead of being blown about like a leaf by the world. I think this is where genre fiction really shines, and perhaps contemporary novelists might learn a bit from some other forms of literature?
I’m definitely a fan of some of Roomey’s stuff as well, especially her latest book! To me character-driven and plot-driven books can kinda coexist - they’re like apples and oranges! Either genre can also be done well or less well in my eyes
Yeah, the pitfall of this genre is that it all just becomes an exercise in narcissism with the same narrow class of people (with superficial diversity) getting indulged to feel as though their mundane lives are more book-worthy and aspirational than others.
I do think "I'm A Fan" is a notable exception though because the protagonist is so genuinely cringeworthy (in the best sense possible) that the novel seems like it's about more than the author's desire to be seen through a carefully crafted image via her avatar protagonist. Because who'd ever want to be seen as that protagonist in that book?
You make a good point about I’m a Fan, I can see how it would stand out from these others - the protagonist is certainly a lot less romantic. I think I just found myself personally tiring of that voice very quickly, though the first half left me very entertained
Great piece. I think what makes plot-driven books so exciting is that the stakes are just higher, and that leads to more emotional investment in the story. Without those high stakes these plot-less novels rely on either relatability (Normal People) or cringe factor (like in I’m a Fan or MYORAR).
I really hated "My year of rest and relaxation"! "I'm a Fan" is also a bit annoying, but at least gives you something. Thank you for putting my dislike into words.
ugh i loved the rachel incident so much
It’s so good! I haven’t seen enough ppl talking about it
I've seen it a bit around when it came out, but attention petered out way too quick for my liking too.
Okay yes the ending felt a bit too abrupt for me but the first 2/3 was chefs kiss
As someone who lives in the Adirondack Mountains now I want to read this book! Thanks for your post.
"I’m not necessarily looking for a rock-solid woman to lead a story, but I’m growing tired of reading about the same disaffected one, who is resistant to any kind of uplifting change, again and again." definitely!!! I confess I'm a fan of half of Rooney's work and I think you're right that there's a place for the 20-something sufferer of ennui, but it's such a refreshing change of pace when the main character pursues something instead of being blown about like a leaf by the world. I think this is where genre fiction really shines, and perhaps contemporary novelists might learn a bit from some other forms of literature?
I’m definitely a fan of some of Roomey’s stuff as well, especially her latest book! To me character-driven and plot-driven books can kinda coexist - they’re like apples and oranges! Either genre can also be done well or less well in my eyes
Thanks for the book listings. I read every day for about an hour.