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
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.
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).
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
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
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).
As someone who lives in the Adirondack Mountains now I want to read this book! Thanks for your post.