This week's literary fiction reviews spotlight three distinct novels: Marlon James's "The Disappearers," Téa Obreht's "Sunrise," and Hallie Elizabeth Newton's "Agnes Lives!" Each book delves into complex themes, from confronting homophobia and seeking retribution to unraveling town histories and navigating personal despair.
"The Disappearers" by Marlon James is set in 1980s Kingston, Jamaica, and follows a group of gay men who attempt to stage an openly queer play amidst a backdrop of violent homophobia. The novel's narrative structure is described as a masterful shapeshifting performance, incorporating journal entries, interview transcripts, and letters. The story loosely follows a revenge plot, exploring acts of erasure faced by its central characters. The novel is noted for its epic scope and its ability to be both hilarious and viscerally horrifying.
Téa Obreht's "Sunrise" is structured as a series of nested tales centered on the abandoned town of Sunrise, Wyoming. The narrative introduces nanny Nina, who discovers the settlement after a plane crash. Other characters include Coll, who aims to revive the town through historical reenactments, and Anton Vargas, a turn-of-the-century gunslinger central to the town's lore. The novel incorporates elements of mystery and survival, with Obreht's storytelling examining themes of inheritance and the telling of history.
"Agnes Lives!" by Hallie Elizabeth Newton features Agnes Maurer, a Manhattanite in 2014 grappling with suicidal ideation and seeking someone to end her life. The blackly comic novel chronicles her escalating and increasingly violent attempts over a 24-hour period. Agnes's existence is portrayed as Instagram-obsessed and manipulative, yet she is also depicted as a victim of misogyny and abuse. The narrative is propelled by Agnes's inner monologue and her search for connection, offering a sharp critique of societal pressures and the struggle for power.
