24 Jun Book Review of Leave Society
Discovering Tao Lin’s Leave Society: An Introspective Journey
When Leave Society hit the shelves, I found myself drawn back to the works of Tao Lin, an author whose distinctive voice often dances on the edges of surrealism and autobiographical exploration. With its growing acclaim and striking reception from various corners of literary culture, I felt an undeniable pull to dive into this experimental narrative. Within its pages, I discovered a rich tapestry woven from themes of family, healing, and the search for a more meaningful existence—tangible reflections that resonate deeply with today’s collective consciousness.
At its core, Leave Society chronicles the life of Li, a Li-like novelist who embarks on an inner journey while grappling with external societal constraints. The narrative flows over four transformative years, each marked by annual visits to his childhood home in Taipei. Here, Lin illustrates a growing reconciliation with his parents—ordinary yet profound moments of intimacy that reflect a kind of love often overshadowed by the chaos of modern life. Li’s relationship with his family starkly contrasts his life in bustling New York, where nature seems to exist only as an afterthought. As I absorbed these details, I felt a lingering sense of nostalgia, echoing my own journey toward understanding familial bonds and embracing authenticity.
What intrigued me most was Lin’s evolution as a writer, transitioning from stark autofiction to a more imaginative and poetic style in Leave Society. The creative coinages he employs—such as "languaging"—breathe life into the text and highlight an essential shift toward a hopeful perspective. Descriptions like “In child’s pose at the end of class, he synesthesiated perspiration as a crunchy, oceanic blare” encapsulate the novel’s surreal beauty while inviting readers to engage in their own embodied experiences. Each turn of phrase feels like an invitation to step into a more vibrant reality.
One of the novel’s many gifts is its exploration of healing through alternative means—psychedelic experiences, yoga, and mindful eating take center stage as Li crafts a new narrative for his life. This approach resonates with a growing cultural ethos, particularly in the face of modern medical skepticism. It’s not just a critique of existing frameworks; rather, it’s a poetic call to transcend our conditioned norms and seek a healthier narrative for ourselves. Lin captures this sentiment beautifully when he writes, “Humans everywhere were being nudged and shoved and pulled…away from inflamed, deformed, poisoned bodies and the ad-covered, polluted outdoors.”
The humorous depiction of Li’s parents further grounds the novel in reality, as their charm and quirks serve as a reminder that our familial relationships often hold the keys to our healing. Dudu, the family’s toy poodle, emerges as a delightful character, embodying the warmth and whimsy of home life. I found myself chuckling and smiling at their exchanges, a bittersweet reflection of my own family’s peculiarities.
Tao Lin’s Leave Society is, in many senses, an optimistic exploration of what it means to truly "leave." It beckons us to consider not only the societal structures that confine us but also the possibility of creating a new narrative rooted in love, compassion, and nature. This book speaks to anyone yearning for a deeper connection to themselves and their surroundings, offering a gentle reminder of the power that literature holds in transcending the confines of our daily lives.
As I closed the book, I felt a renewed sense of hope and curiosity about my own journey. Lin’s narrative might just inspire you to turn inward and explore how to reclaim your sense of purpose and connection to the world. Whether you’re a long-time admirer of Lin’s unique voice or a curious newcomer to his work, Leave Society promises an enriching, transformative reading experience. Dive in, and perhaps you’ll not only leave society for a moment but discover a new layer of understanding about what it means to truly belong.
