Catherine Lacey’s “Pew” is a genre-defying novel blending literary fiction, magical realism, and coming-of-age themes. It follows a young, mute, and ambiguous character named Pew, found sleeping on a church pew in a small southern town. Pew’s presence prompts the townspeople to confront their own secrets and biases, exploring themes of identity, communication, and community.
Lacey, celebrated for her evocative prose, continues her exploration of human connection and self-discovery, following her debut novel, “The Slum Childhood of a Millionaire,” which delved into themes of poverty and social mobility.
About the author
Catherine Lacey is the author of the novels “Nobody Is Ever Missing” and “The Answers,” and the short story collection “Certain American States.” She has received a Guggenheim Fellowship, a Whiting Award, and a New York Foundation for the Arts fellowship. Lacey was a finalist for the New York Public Library’s Young Lions Fiction Award and named one of Granta’s Best of Young American Novelists. Her essays and short fiction have appeared in The New Yorker, Harper’s Magazine, The New York Times, and The Believer. Born in Mississippi, she is based in Chicago.
Reviews
“[Bahni] Turpin narrates with a newscaster-like calm in the first person thoughts of the titular character―a mysterious child, somewhat ambiguous in gender and race.… A provocative meditation on the duplicity of appearances, strongly voiced.”
―Booklist, starred review“Narrator Bahni Turpin gives a tour-de-force performance in this strange allegory featuring a nondescript person found sleeping on a church pew in a small, unnamed Southern town.… Turpin’s extraordinary range includes everyone from small children to older men and women. In one scene involving the mysterious annual Forgiveness Festival, Turpin switches age and gender with the ease of water slipping through one’s fingers. PEW is a strange ride, but trust Turpin to steer the ship.”
Source: https://amzn.to/3xGbt1v
―AudioFile Magazine, Earphones Award Winner
Similar books to “Pew”
If you reveled in the enigmatic world of “Pew,” here are a handful of novels that explore similar themes and might just become your next literary obsession:
“The Nickel Boys” by Colson Whitehead
- Author: Colson Whitehead
- Synopsis: Set in the American South, this novel follows the harrowing experiences of two boys subjected to the brutal realities of a reform school.
- Why it is similar: Explores themes of societal flaws, injustice, and the impact of community, akin to the introspective and critical view of society in “Pew.”
- Genre: Historical Fiction
- Tone: Gritty, Reflective
- Ratings: Amazon 4.5 / Goodreads 4.3
“Sing, Unburied, Sing” by Jesmyn Ward
- Author: Jesmyn Ward
- Synopsis: This novel chronicles the journey of a family in Mississippi dealing with their troubled past and seeking a sense of belonging.
- Why it is similar: Focuses on the complexities of identity, family dynamics, and the Southern setting, similar to the exploration of community and self in “Pew.”
- Genre: Literary Fiction, Magical Realism
- Tone: Poetic, Haunting
- Ratings: Critically acclaimed, winner of the National Book Award.
“The Mothers” by Brit Bennett
- Author: Brit Bennett
- Synopsis: The story centers on a close-knit African American community in California, revealing secrets and the influence of the past on present relationships.
- Why it is similar: Deals with themes of community, secrets, and identity, much like “Pew’s” examination of how personal histories shape individuals.
- Genre: Contemporary Fiction
- Tone: Introspective, Emotional
- Ratings: Well-received with positive reviews for its depth and character development.
“The Vanishing Half” by Brit Bennett
- Author: Brit Bennett
- Synopsis: This novel follows twin sisters who choose drastically different lives, exploring issues of race, identity, and family over several decades.
- Why it is similar: Examines identity and societal roles, paralleling “Pew’s” focus on the fluidity of identity and the impact of community perceptions.
- Genre: Historical Fiction, Contemporary Fiction
- Tone: Thought-provoking, Richly Detailed
- Ratings: Bestselling and critically acclaimed, praised for its narrative and thematic complexity.
This is just a taste of the rich literary landscape that echoes the themes and style of “Pew.” So, if you’re looking for a book that will challenge your perceptions and leave you pondering the complexities of identity and community, dive into one of these captivating reads!
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