28 Jun Book Review of The Novelist
Review of The Novelist by Jordan Castro
When I stumbled upon Kate Knibbs’ article, "Finally, a Novel That Gets the Internet Right," I felt an odd pull toward Jordan Castro’s The Novelist. Maybe it was the promise of an honest take on digital culture, or perhaps my lingering fascination with alt-lit, despite its pitfalls. As I rounded the halfway mark of my Goodreads Reading Challenge, sitting at ninety-nine books, I decided that this short novel—a quick read of about forty thousand words—would fit neatly into my quest for artistic accomplishment. Little did I know, it would pull me deeper into the absurdities of contemporary life than I anticipated.
At first blush, The Novelist appears to be a revelry of grotesque humor, an almost diary-like exploration predominantly featuring Castro’s stand-in, Calvin. The novel dives headfirst into scatological humor and mundane absurdities, creating a landscape where even the most trivial details take center stage, like an exquisite mug described in exhaustive detail. This peculiar choice of emphasis is intriguing, as it transforms the ordinary into something almost philosophical. However, I found myself grappling with whether this elevated the narrative or muddled it—a tension that lingered throughout my reading.
As I experienced Calvin’s peculiar world, marked by existential dread and a discontent that bubbled to the surface with each line, I was reminded of my own fraught relationship with alt-lit and its past inhabitants. For those familiar with the style, you might expect a certain amount of navel-gazing and self-indulgence—and Castro certainly delivers. Quotes like, “People don’t know the difference between the opinions others want them to have and the opinions that they actually have,” resonated with me, reflecting an uncomfortable truth about our digital personas. This sincere yet absurd exploration of identity struck a chord, even as my background made me skeptical of its execution.
Still, I couldn’t shake my initial prejudice against the novel’s style, shaped by years in the digitally-infused literary world; I approached Castro’s work as somewhat of a ‘hateread.’ While I didn’t find the depth I hoped for, there were moments of clarity and humor woven into the chaos. I was particularly taken by the various references to relationships and self-perception—inhabiting a world where past choices could feel like "walls that obstructed my view." This metaphor not only offered insight into Calvin’s character but also mirrored my own struggles with identity and choice.
In a unique twist, Castro’s self-satirical narrative feels almost like a book-length shitpost that oscillates between earnestness and parody. Excerpts detailing a character’s pride in their sexual conquests, or the bizarre situation of "projectile shitting," invite laughter, but they also lend a pointed critique of how we often navigate social landscapes that prioritize spectacle over substance.
Despite my initial disappointments, The Novelist compellingly captures a slice of modern existence that many might find reflective of their own struggles with identity, relationships, and the absurdities of everyday life. While not a flawless piece in my eyes, I can see it resonating with those familiar with the undercurrents of alt-lit. If you’re pointedly aware of the absurdities of contemporary culture and love experimental narratives, this novel may strike a chord.
As I close this chapter, I’m left contemplating more than just Calder’s journey—I find myself musing on the larger implications of our chosen narratives in the digital age. Perhaps Castro’s blend of humor and melancholy serves as a mirror, reflecting not only his struggles but also our own fraught identities within this chaotic world.
