Not to be Overlooked

By Christy Clark and Vidruma Chaavali

Not to be Overlooked introduces a variety of wonderful but lesser-known books to assist readers in finding their next great reads. This week’s column covers a review of Outline by Rachel Cusk and The Comfort Book by Matt Haig.

Outline by Rachel Cusk 

Review by Christy Clark

Autobiographical fiction, or autofiction, is commonly recognised as a piece of fiction which uses fictional characters to represent real experiences – simple enough. Its emergence in the 21st century is characteristic of the consumer’s intensified, often parasocial relationship with celebrities, whose lives take on relatable, life-like dimensions and become increasingly close to the fan through digital media.

Outline is a total redefinition of autofiction. First published by Rachel Cusk in 2014, it is the first novel in a trilogy and was released to immense acclaim. The Guardian branded it the 34th best book of the century. Instead of using her personal life to provoke interest and intrigue from her reader, however, Cusk utilises autofiction to spotlight another universal experience: the man talking at the woman. Whether it be a passenger on an aeroplane, a yacht or even in the usually-commanding position of teacher, Cusk remains uncomfortably at the mercy of the men around her. The ironic flavour of the novel is exemplified when a student storms out of a seminar, retorting, “I don’t know who you are [...] [but] you’re a lousy teacher.” We, too, have little idea who this protagonist might be, but god does she teach us some things.

The novel is a series of conversations partaken in by its protagonist as she teaches a literature course in Greece. As the title suggests, Outline is an outline of its author. Rather than being embellished, revealed by the genre, as those authors writing about their personal lives risk being, Cusk is increasingly, mystically hidden – to the point that the reader never finds out the name of her ‘character’. It’s almost as though she’s not there at all.

It's also hard not to mention the novel’s historical context. Set shortly after the Greek debt crisis of 2007–2008, it's no mistake that Outline takes place in a deprived, austere nation, where Cusk’s conversations with locals are often tinged with implications of the national crisis. More than just its protagonist and her experiences as a woman, Outline is about Greek society – to which Cusk is an outsider – and humanity in general, when political crisis upturns our everyday lives.

There’s little to say about Outline in terms of plot, but Cusk’s niche approach is beyond compelling. Not only is the novel well written and intriguing, it’s a reinvention of a genre that has since emerged into the mainstream. Cusk is a storyteller, an innovator and – perhaps above all – a woman whose voice demands not to be overlooked.

The Comfort Book by Matt Haig

Review by Vidruma Chaavali

“Life is not a ladder to climb; a puzzle to solve; a key to find; a destination to reach; a problem to fix.” 

The Comfort Book by Matt Haig is a compilation of consolations learned in difficult times and suggestions for making the bad days better. Matt Haig’s writing is known for dealing with dark themes, making them accessible, but not overwhelming, for young readers. 

The book is divided into four parts. Matt Haig uses a unique structure, unlike the regular structure of a novel. Some sections are written across one or two pages and others contain just a word. The Comfort Book follows the style of notepad entries, each word just giving comfort and consoling like a loved one. 

Matt Haig addresses the realities of life and doesn’t sugar-coat it. Sometimes your life can suck and when you truly hit rock bottom, you do feel isolated and lonely. There’s no way you can escape that. But a new day can bring hope; sitting in the darkest corner of your life, you can find light. Haig even addresses the way social media can make a person feel and the tricky relationship we have with it. He explains in the introduction, “I sometimes write things down to comfort myself. Stuff learned in the bad times […] It is a strange paradox, that many of the clearest, most comforting life lessons are learned while we are at our lowest.”

From inspirational anecdotes to helpful lists, The Comfort Book offers a variety of tools to soothe your soul. It’s a perfect book for anyone looking for comfort, a hug or for those who have a feeling like this is something they need to hear. With no plot or characters, The Comfort Book stands out in the self-help genre.