Lionel Shriver

I’ve read all of Lionel Shriver’s novels and, as I always eagerly anticipate publication of her latest, I was delighted to receive an ARC of ‘Mania’ and to discover that it didn’t disappoint! What I admire most about her writing is her willingness to ‘say it as it is’, to be provocative and challenging and to resist mindlessly ‘following the crowd’, the very antithesis to the mindless ‘dumbing-down’ (no apologies from me for this language!) required following the establishment of the Mental Parity movement, an edict which demands that ‘Stupid is banned and smart is cancelled’, and encourages the belief that everyone can do any job they choose to without having to achieve a particular educational level or undergo any sort of training. For anyone daring to challenge the obvious flaws (and dangers!) in this premise the sanctions are extreme, ranging from social ostracism, losing one’s job and even having one’s children removed by the authorities. Everyone is expected to report any miscreants to the authorities so, as even children are expected to ‘shop’ their own parents, there’s nowhere safe to express an alternative view or opinion and, as the story explores, this has a profound impact on how family members interact with one another, as well as how relationships between friends who share differing views are affected as they try not to fall foul of the new ‘rules’.
Although the alternative recent history the author has created in this satirical dystopia may sometimes verge on the hyperbolic, there is far too much which feels disturbingly familiar to be able to dismiss its basic premise as being totally unbelievable. It frequently feels that we’re already living in a world where tolerance of differing points of view, of legitimate debate and criticism is decreasing because people are becoming fearful of being ‘cancelled’ for not being prepared to keep silent when they disagree.
Whilst there is much to feel disturbed and angry about in Lionel Shriver’s acerbic and incisive exploration of the concept of ‘equality’, this is exactly what makes ‘Mania’ such an important book to read and, without venturing into spoiler territory, I appreciated the way in which she explored how once firmly-held beliefs can be influenced by a future shift in public opinion. Although this isn’t, by any stretch of the imagination, a comfortable read, I did find that the occasional moments of rather black humour helped to reduce the tension caused by frequent feelings of outrage about the unintended (but entirely predictable) consequences of ill-thought-out ideas. I think its potential to encourage lively discussion and debate (including about the brilliance of the author’s acknowledgments!) makes it an ideal choice for book groups.
Much as I enjoyed this thought-provoking story, because there were times when I thought that it verged a bit too far into polemical territory, I’ve really struggled with my rating so, sadly, its not a 5* one … but it is a solid 4½* one!… (more)

Oh my, this is delicious! Shriver at her outspoken, satirical best! A dystopian alternate timeline novel, from 2011 to 2027, that could be a parable for our times. Astute, perceptive the story demonstrates what can happen when one point of view is taken to its limits by a minority and spirals out of controlled control!
Here, it is intelligence that is for the chopping board!! Mental Parity is the new buzzword, the correct PC term for a whole nation. It basically means that everyone’s brains are equal, there is no such thing as a clever person or a stupid one. Anyone can do any job they fancy. All references to anyone being dumb or stupid together with a whole lexicon of forbidden terms carry sanctions.

The central character is Pearson Converse and what a delightful play on words than name is! I also thought that the character may have much in common with Lionel Shriver herself! Forgive me if I’m wrong! ’d prefer not to give too much away. But Pearson, having been raised by Jehovah’s Witnesses and subject to that extreme dogma, manages to escape it but then finds herself in the middle of a different regime that still threatens her freedom.

Her best friend Emory Ruth is one of those ubiquitous folks who runs with the herd, to fit in maybe, to have an easier life perhaps, in Emory’s case much is to further her career, but will happily change opinion when the tide turns, an archetypal hypocrite.

Pearson Converse is no sheep, but she pays a heavy price for refusing to embrace the Mental Parity ideology.

Shriver is an erudite author, and I got the feeling that much of this book was an eloquent expression of her own disquiet with the world as it is today. It is set in the US so some of the politics may be elusive for readers across the pond but the points being made are not elusive in the least.

It's a tour de force with some humour but much latent anger. Shriver’s vocabulary is to be envied, it’s expansive and intelligent. But the book may be divisive. I imagine some book groups will enjoy some heated discussions!
It is thought provoking too and I hope it is not prophetic.

My thanks to Readers First where I was lucky enough to win a copy in one of their draws.… (more)

This was a wonderful yet disturbing book that raised some very interesting questions. I greatly enjoyed how it was written and was so wrapped up in Kevin and his mother’s relationship that I never saw the ending coming. I went through so many emotions reading this as well. Frustration, anger, sadness, surprise, disgust, understanding...I don’t cry often reading books but I did a few times while reading this one. Ultimately, though, I would have enjoyed it much more had the writing seemed more...realistic? Less sophisticated? I’m not sure what the right word is but I felt like the author was trying to “show off” her vocabulary skills, as ridiculous as that may sound. It was just all so excessive. Additionally, I have a hard time believing someone would write letters in that fashion...especially in 1999/2000. Anyhow, the extravagant descriptions and the somewhat drawn out ramblings that popped up throughout the book caused my interest to sway here and there. Overall it was a story worth reading.… (more)

Lionel Shriver is one of my favorite writers. I have read almost all of her books since 2010 and I thought I would go back and read the earlier ones. These did not get published until she became successful. Doublefault is one of those books. It is about a couple of professional tennis players. Willy is a female player who has been obsessed with tennis since she was five. At 23 she has climbed up the rankings but still has a long way to go. For her tennis is everything. Eric her husband who she meets at age 23 is a natural athlete and good at everything. In the beginning Willy is much better than Eric but as he ascends she descends(a knee injury contributes this). Eric is the good supportive husband but Willy can't deal with his success as her career goes into the tank. This book is more about choice, one pointedness than it is about tennis. As always, Shriver's writing is great. The tension in the marriage is hard to take and how Eric puts up with Willy seems beyond belief. What is good about the book is that it is real in terms of what can happen in a competitive marriage. Not a happy ending but a worthwhile read from a great author in the beginning of her career before she achieved success. If you have not read Shriver, I recommend her most recent works. If you enjoy those than double back to this earlier work.… (more)