Friday 17 April 2020

The Portable Veblen - Elizabeth McKenzie


Oh, there are so many beautiful things to say about this book…
Aside from the fact that squirrels are special characters in this novel (well, you already know I love squirrels), this is surely a story anyone can relate to.

Veblen, a long-term squirrel obsessive, is going to get married to Paul, a neurologist. While trying to make sense of the things she must have at her wedding, Veblen’s emotional state starts to entangle as she tries to understand the message behind the appearance of squirrels, settle for a ring that does not quite suit her, and endure the whims of a narcissistic and hypochondriac mother.

Paul’s family, his disabled brother and parents, is not quite characterized by easy-going people either. Referring to their family as ‘the tripod’, Paul’s parents seem to have left a lot of holes in his emotional upbringing.

This story is an ode to anyone who has ever felt neglected or manipulated, constantly struggling to find or to keep their self-esteem at least at normal levels. I should say that it has a healing side to it, this book. Sure, a sense of closure can sometimes go that extra mile.

Do you remember when you were a kid and you thought you were magical? That you could see through things like no adult could? Well, Veblen can still do that, and she’s an adult. There is a sure thread of magic realism in this novel and those for a taste of it will surely enjoy it.
You’ll have a wonderful time while reading this book, I’m sure. And you’ll also have a couple of laugh-out-loud moments, that I can vouch for.

No comments:

Post a Comment