08 Jun Book Review of The Hard Crowd: Essays 2000-2020
As I settled into reading The Hard Crowd: Essays 2000-2020 by Rachel Kushner, I was instantly drawn in by the promise of her incisive, yet beautifully restrained prose. As a reader who relishes the craft of writing, I found myself curious about how an author could capture such a broad spectrum of human experiences with clarity and insight. It’s not every day that you stumble upon an essay collection that feels like both a personal memoir and a larger commentary on society. Kushner manages this intriguing balance beautifully.
Kushner’s essays serve as varied snapshots of her life, intertwining personal history with broader themes of loss, nostalgia, and the complexity of human connections. The opening piece, “Girl on a Motorcycle,” is a marvel—a blend of deadpan humor and deep emotional resonance. Here, Kushner skillfully unravels the story of her ill-fated ride in the Cabo 1000 motorcycle race, linking it back to her father and an iconic film, allowing readers to trace the familial threads of longing and identity. Peter T., a trusted friend and fellow reader, noted how this essay first captivated him, a sentiment I wholeheartedly echo. The narrative pulses with life and danger, yet never veers into melodrama; instead, it presents a controlled chaos that is entirely Kushner.
Moreover, essays like “We Are Orphans Here” take us beyond personal anecdotes and into the profound depths of societal issues, as her visit to a refugee camp in Jerusalem unravels the harsh realities of displacement. Through her lens, we feel the weight of history and humanity. Kushner’s clean and lucid style adds to the gravity of these stories, each piece polished yet visceral, like a blade cutting through pretense.
One cannot overlook "In the Company of Truckers," which struck a deeply personal chord with me. This essay is a simple narrative transformed into a meditation on kindness and humanity, showcasing the spontaneous connections we can forge with strangers. The men who helped her with her broken-down car aren’t just mechanics; they emerge as everyday heroes. Their humanity resonates far beyond the pages, reminding us that empathy remains a powerful force even in fleeting interactions.
Kushner’s ability to weave personal stories with significant cultural references, such as in “Bad Captains,” where she reflects on the 2012 Costa Concordia disaster with a light touch yet serious undertones, strikes a balance that demands reflection. Kushner deftly uses humor to navigate complex ideas, which I found refreshing amid heavier themes.
As I turned the last pages, the titular essay, "The Hard Crowd," encapsulated the essence of the collection—nostalgia, rebellion, youth—crafted in a way that feels painfully beautiful. Kushner’s acknowledgment that “none of it matters; it is gone. But it all matters; it lingers” struck me deeply. It is this tension between memory and oblivion that lingers long after reading, compelling me to ponder my own experiences.
For readers who appreciate a keen, reflective gaze on contemporary life wrapped in personal narrative, The Hard Crowd will not disappoint. Rachel Kushner’s essays resonate with anyone who has felt the push and pull of life’s chaos. The collection is an invitation to explore the depths of human experience, making it a must-read for lovers of insightful journalism, memoir, and contemporary culture. Whether you’re familiar with Kushner’s fiction or new to her work, this collection promises a reading experience that is both enriching and memorable.
Discover more about The Hard Crowd: Essays 2000-2020 on GoodReads >>
