The Most

From one of our most thrilling and singular innovators on the page (Laura Van Den Berg), a tightly wound, consuming tale about a 1950s American housewife, for fans of Jennifer Egan, Jonathan Franzen and Taffy Brodesser-Akner.
Praise for Jessica Anthony's ENTER THE AARDVARK: "A truly fresh piece of art" (Percival Everett); "Fresh, witty, smart" (Kate Atkinson); "Highly inventive" (Joshua Ferris); "A writer possessed of mind-bending talents" (Heidi Julavits).

Format: Hardback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2024
Publisher: Transworld Publishers Ltd

Laura Van Den Berg's "Enter the Aardvark" is a tightly wound, consuming tale about a 1950s American housewife. It has been longlisted for the National Book Award 2024 and has received praise from Emma Healey, author of Elizabeth is Missing. The story follows Virgil Beckett, an insurance salesman, and Kathleen Beckett, a former tennis champion turned mother and homemaker. On a warm Sunday in November 1957, Kathleen decides not to accompany her family to church and instead goes for a swim in the apartment complex pool. She emerges from the water feeling refreshed and invigorated, but her husband, Virgil, is not happy with her decision.

The story explores the expectations and roles that society places on women in the 1950s, and how Kathleen and Virgil have fallen into these roles. Kathleen feels like a fish out of water in her suburban life, and she longs for something more. Virgil, on the other hand, is content with his life and his job, but he is not happy with Kathleen's decision to swim.

The story is told in a series of short chapters, each focusing on a different aspect of Kathleen and Virgil's lives. Van Den Berg's writing is clever, moving, and unexpected, and she has a great talent for creating characters that are both relatable and complex. The story explores themes of identity, freedom, and the consequences of making choices.

One of the strengths of "Enter the Aardvark" is its portrayal of the 1950s. Van Den Berg captures the period's atmosphere and culture with great detail, and the characters' conversations and actions are authentic to the time. The story also explores the impact of the Cold War on American society, and how it affected the Beckett family.

However, some readers may find the story slow-paced or difficult to follow. The story is told in a series of short chapters, and some of the characters' motivations and actions are not fully explained. Additionally, the story's ending may be disappointing for some readers.

Despite these criticisms, "Enter the Aardvark" is a highly inventive and thought-provoking story. Van Den Berg's writing is fresh, witty, and smart, and she has a great talent for creating characters that are both relatable and complex. The story explores themes of identity, freedom, and the consequences of making choices, and it is a must-read for fans of Jennifer Egan, Jonathan Franzen, and Taffy Brodesser-Akner.

In conclusion, Laura Van Den Berg's "Enter the Aardvark" is a tightly wound, consuming tale about a 1950s American housewife. It has been longlisted for the National Book Award 2024 and has received praise from Emma Healey, author of Elizabeth is Missing. The story explores the expectations and roles that society places on women in the 1950s, and how Kathleen and Virgil have fallen into these roles. Van Den Berg's writing is clever, moving, and unexpected, and she has a great talent for creating characters that are both relatable and complex. The story explores themes of identity, freedom, and the consequences of making choices, and it is a must-read for fans of Jennifer Egan, Jonathan Franzen, and Taffy Brodesser-Akner.

Weight: 224g
Dimension: 139 x 205 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529928877