Will Self, known for his gonzo premises in previous novels, surprises readers with his new book “Elaine,” which is a psychological study of a 1950s housewife inspired by his mother. The novel portrays the everyday life of Elaine, a Jewish-American housewife married to an Ivy League academic, in a relentlessly intimate and claustrophobic manner. Through close third-person narration and glimpses into Elaine’s scabrous inner thoughts, Self explores themes of misogyny, self-hatred, and the complexities of motherhood.
Set in Ithaca, New York, the novel delves into the academic world of the 1950s, petty rivalries, and the pervasive misogyny of the era. Elaine’s disdain for her husband, her friends, and even herself is palpable throughout the book, as she grapples with feelings of revulsion and self-loathing. Self deftly weaves historical references and language of the 50s intelligentsia into the narrative, creating a rich and textured world for Elaine to inhabit.
Despite her unlikeable qualities, Elaine emerges as a complex and multifaceted character, drawing readers in with her blunt wit and sharp insights. Self’s portrayal of his mother’s psyche is both unflinching and reverential, offering a poignant and unexpected tribute to her memory. “Elaine” is not just a work of art, but a profound act of filial generosity, shedding light on the inner life of a woman in the midst of 20th-century misogyny.
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