"Everything Under" is a novel written by Daisy Johnson. It was shortlisted for the 2018 Man Booker Prize and is a contemporary reimagining of the Greek myth of Oedipus. The story explores themes of identity, memory, language, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy.
The novel follows the life of a lexicographer named Gretel, who is living a quiet and solitary life in a houseboat on the canals. Her peaceful existence is disrupted when she receives a call from her estranged mother, Sarah, who has been suffering from dementia and living in a care facility. Sarah's deteriorating memory leads to her obsession with a mysterious word from her past, "leitmotif." This prompts Gretel to embark on a journey to uncover her mother's hidden history and understand the significance of this enigmatic word.
As Gretel delves into her mother's past, she unravels a complex and dark family history. She was abandoned by her mother as a child and grew up in the company of a transgender river-dweller named Marcus. As she uncovers the truth about her mother, Marcus, and the word "leitmotif," the narrative weaves together the past and present, blurring the lines between reality and myth.
The novel's narrative structure is non-linear, creating a dreamlike and surreal atmosphere. Daisy Johnson's writing is often praised for its lyrical and evocative style, which contributes to the story's enigmatic and haunting quality. "Everything Under" explores the themes of identity and the impact of trauma on memory, all while reimagining a classic myth in a contemporary context. The novel is known for its atmospheric and psychologically rich storytelling, making it a thought-provoking and unique work of fiction.
0