From the atypical title (in case you were wondering, that upside-down ‘e’ is called a ‘schwa’) to the satire-laced, well, everything, N K von S’ HOW THE Ə GOT PRODUCTED: A Love Story pushes the proverbial envelope of convention in just about every direction. The novel centers on N., a mercurial protagonist reeling in the wake of an affair gone sour. Determined to forge ahead, N. throws herself headfirst into a career in Washington, working as a biotech lobbyist. Riding high on a string of professional victories, N. soon stumbles upon the Ə, a mysterious product “the existence of which is the subject of fierce debate.” Saddled with all sorts of emotional baggage, N. sets out to bring the Ə to market. But despite the Ə’s undefinable nature, N. finds a surprising amount of resistance from the highest levels of government, all of which poses the question: why? With the general public perpetually primed and ready for the next big thing (regardless of what that next big thing may or may not be), the only thing standing in N.’s way are the miles of politically-charged red tape.
Like all the best satire, HOW THE Ə GOT PRODUCTED will likely polarize readers. N K von S’ refusal to adhere to a ‘best seller’ template, opting for an unorthodox narrative style ripe with all sorts of veiled commentary, will undoubtedly irk those expecting a polished page turner. However, readers willing to check their preconceived expectations at the door will ultimately find a dark, politically-charged comedy that rewards those who choose to persevere. Sure, a scathing appraisal of capitalism, politics, and modern society at large is hardly a unique concept, but Von S elevates the whole affair with a refreshingly-nuanced protagonist. Her past shrouded in trauma (both implied and explicit), N.’s penchant for self-sabotage consistently undercuts both her personal and professional ambitions. Rather than build her story around a standard Vonnegut-esque everyman, von S gives the reader a heroine for whom they can’t help but empathize.
Still, for all of its strengths, a list that includes some amazingly witty dialogue exchanges, HOW THE Ə GOT PRODUCTED is not without issues. Those with no interest in the inner-workings of D.C.’s political apparatus may struggle to recognize the proverbial punchline lying in wait on virtually every page. And even readers ‘in the know’ may take issue with a plot that arguably meanders for much of the second and third act. Of course, given the story’s multiple layers, the absence of an obvious point just might ‘be’ the point after all. Or not. Either way, HOW THE Ə GOT PRODUCTED is an undeniably original piece of work in all the ways that matter.
Skillfully walking the razor-thin line between biting satire and Beltway pontification, N K Von S fully embraces the unconventional with HOW THE Ə GOT PRODUCTED: A Love Story.
~James Weiskittel for IndieReader