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Lydia Millet’s Atavists: Stories presents a title that may not fully capture the essence of the work within its pages.
Indeed, the book is rich with narratives that intertwine characters, themes, and a subplot concerning the exploration of specific adult content on a household computer. It can be considered a collection of interconnected short stories or a novel in fragments. But beyond this structural classification, the book delves into thoughtful questions and contemporary issues, showcasing Millet’s sharp observation and eloquent prose. The result is a multifaceted reading experience that largely excels.
As a writer, I understand the challenges of condensing an entire universe into a brief synopsis. Attempting to encapsulate the breadth of Atavists in a few sentences would undoubtedly overlook numerous nuances, making it more apt to regard its contents as contextual elements. The stories focus on a recurring ensemble of characters, such as a young woman striving to effect change, a bodybuilder reminiscent of Patrick Bateman with incel tendencies, a concerned mother suspecting her son-in-law of an unusual addiction, and a self-absorbed professor facing potential career derailment due to an old plagiarism-related scandal.
These characters interact, each embedded in their minor crises and quirks. Millet assumes the role of a spotlight operator, illuminating different characters sequentially. This shifting focus leads readers through a series of compact explorations, creating momentary but profound connections.
While not every tale resonates equally, they cohesively construct a compelling larger narrative. Millet demonstrates her prowess as a storyteller, with numerous exquisite passages showcasing her talent. However, there are instances where the writing touches upon significant topics only to fall short of deep exploration, which may leave readers questioning their relevance. Discussions around themes such as plagiarism do arise, but for the most part, subjects like racism and social media are mentioned briefly, never fully fleshed out.
Overall, the collection boasts exceptional writing that merits attention from fans of literary craftsmanship. Yet, certain imperfections persist. Foremost among them is the apparent lack of a unifying theme. Though the quality of the prose remains high, the direction can be elusive. This echoes a common sentiment encountered in literary fiction—an impression of inert storytelling that, at times, permeates this collection.
The story “Futurist” serves as a poignant encapsulation of Millet’s style. It revolves around Keith, the arrogant professor embroiled in a plagiarism controversy. The narrative combines intellectual discourse, referencing philosophers like Gilles Deleuze, and sharp wit to critique the academic world. Millet immerses the reader in Keith’s thought processes, resulting in moments of lyrical beauty:
“His personal exegesis of the eternal, his eternity theory, subsumed the human and organic into a position on the ascendance of energy. As a fuel and dynamic, but also as the very definition of life. Into which all categories of the previously-defined-as-living were necessarily subsumed. So that life was no longer understood as merely biological but as flowing stream–atomic movement, regardless of the capacity for subjective awareness. Or emotion.”
This richly textured prose continues for several pages before being succinctly dismissed by Keith’s partner: “Jesus, Keith. Whatever.” This response resonates with many readers, highlighting the recurring theme that knowledge must align with accountability—especially when power dynamics skew perceptions of wrongdoing.
In essence, Atavists emerges as a complex and thought-provoking collection that achieves considerable depth, albeit experiencing moments of self-indulgence or aimlessness. While humor sparkles and Millet’s prose delights, dialogue can at times drift aimlessly. Additionally, timely references to issues like “culture wars” and cryptocurrency appear to be included without sufficient narrative justification.
Despite some shortcomings, Atavists stands as a robust compilation in which Millet exhibited significant understanding of the intricacies of human nature. Engaging with substantial themes, she invites readers to ponder complex ideas; although not all her aims are met, the highlights of her collection are undeniably compelling.
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