As we welcome the onset of the new year, a tangible excitement and anticipatory enthusiasm permeate the atmosphere for the untold stories awaiting us in the realm of books.
The domain of literature remains dynamic, as authors push boundaries, explore uncharted genres, and engage in thought-provoking narratives.
Whether you’re a dedicated bibliophile or someone aiming to cultivate a new reading habit, the year 2024 assures an exceptional voyage through the diverse landscapes of literature.
Today’s pick is THERE’S GOING TO BE TROUBLE BY JEN SILVERMAN
In the hallowed halls of Harvard in 1969 and the bustling streets of Paris in 2018, a tapestry of radical politics and love unfolds, weaving together the stories of parallel protagonists.
Playwright Silverman, in his sophomore novel, embarks on a compelling narrative that interlaces two distinct timelines destined to collide. The earlier thread introduces us to Keen, an organic chemistry graduate student at Harvard.
His life takes an unexpected turn when he intervenes to save a fleeing protestor from the clutches of the police.
A whirlwind romance ensues as Keen is captivated by her world, even though he toils in the laboratory of a man deemed a war criminal by Olya and her activist friends.
Fast forward 50 years, and we find ourselves navigating the tumultuous life of Minnow, a 38-year-old American woman seeking solace in the streets of Paris.
Reeling from a scandal involving a student’s abortion at the school where she taught, Minnow’s escape leads her to Charles, a 23-year-old firebrand and scion of a wealthy family connected to President Emmanuel Macron.
Charles, fervently involved in the gilet jaune (yellow vest) movement, becomes Minnow’s unlikely companion. Both storylines share a common narrative arc — a political awakening intertwined with passionate love affairs and stirring scenes of activism.
Keen’s involvement in the Dow Chemical protest stands out as a particularly poignant moment.
Yet, as the stories unfold, the reader is confronted with the harsh realities that follow.
The initial sympathy the narrative seems to extend towards the depicted movements is overshadowed by the looming disasters that befall the protagonists.
The author, in a paradoxical twist, appears to caution against radicalism, suggesting that political fervor can wreak havoc on individuals without necessarily catalyzing meaningful change.
Young Charles articulates this sentiment, reflecting on the corrosive nature of constantly grappling with the limitations of justice.
In a moment of introspection, he remarks, “I think it must be a slow poison to come up against the limitations of justice again and again. The more you see, the more poison accumulates. But what changes in the end is you, not the systems, not the structures. Just you.”
The characters engage in impassioned speeches, adding a layer of intensity to the narrative.
However, the novel’s conclusion raises more questions than it answers.
The faithful dramatization of one generation repeating the mistakes of the last leaves readers pondering the cyclical nature of history and activism.
The unresolved ambiguity in the ending adds to the complexity of the narrative, challenging readers to reflect on the futility or enduring significance of political action.
In essence, Silverman’s work emerges as a flawed yet vibrant and engaging piece of literature. Its flaws lie in the ominous portrayal of the aftermath of political fervor, potentially deterring impressionable readers from embracing radical ideologies.
Nevertheless, the vibrancy of the narrative, coupled with its juicy exploration of love and activism, renders it an excellent conversation starter for those inclined towards political discourse.
The book, like the movements it portrays, leaves an indelible mark, inviting readers to grapple with the complexities of passion, politics, and the ever-elusive quest for meaningful change.
About The Author
Jen Silverman, a writer and playwright based in New York, gained recognition as the author of the story collection “The Island Dwellers” (2018), which was longlisted for the PEN/Robert W. Bingham Prize for debut fiction.
Her literary contributions extend to esteemed publications such as Ploughshares, Prairie Schooner, The Gettysburg Review, and The Baffler.
In the realm of theater, Jen has crafted notable plays including “Collective Rage: A Play in 5 Betties,” “The Moors,” “The Roommate,” and “Witch.”
These productions have seen success both off-Broadway and in various international venues such as the UK, Australia, Spain, Switzerland, and China.
Jen Silverman’s artistic journey includes being a two-time MacDowell Colony fellow, a member of New Dramatists, and the recipient of prestigious honors like the New York Foundation for the Arts grant, an LMCC Fellowship, the Yale Drama Series Award, and a Playwrights of New York Fellowship. Beyond the stage, Jen has extended her talents to writing for television and film.
Vincent Salera
Founder @ World's Best Story™ amplifier of creativity & fun!
