Book of the Week

If you love books, there's a lot going on this term that you might want to get involved in. This week's meeting of the Senior English Society takes place today at 12.55 in E1, with Mr Hager, and the Milton Society, a new Junior English Society, run by Mr Gardner also has its first meeting this lunchtime, at 12.55 in E4. Mr Gardner writes: 

'The Milton Society is a society open to anyone in the Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Forms who is interested in literature. We will meet weekly in E4 (Wednesdays, 12.55-1.30pm) to explore great works of literature across the ages. This term, we are going to focus on Shakespeare’s Hamlet. We will read extracts from the play and watch videos of performances, and there will also be the chance to join a school trip to the National Theatre later in the term. You will also have the chance to watch the SPS Drama production in December! Come along to discover what Hamlet is so upset about, and decide for yourself whether this play deserves its reputation as one of the greatest things ever written.'

Dr Pryce's creative writing society continues on Monday lunchtimes, and the Kayton Library will be hosting its annual 'Predict the Booker Prize' event later in the term (more about both of these in a later post). In the meantime, here's today's Book of the Week:

Indignation by Philip Roth

Recommended by Rohan Pillai

Indignation, written in the 21st century, is set in 1951, against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, and is narrated in the first person by a nineteen year old named Marcus Messner, who details his experiences at a college in Ohio. The plot revolves around how small actions can have severe consequences, especially in an environment where the main character’s views are in contrast with the rest of society, as well as the effect of the past on current events.

A large portion of the story revolves around the strained relationships Messner has with most characters in the novel, such as his father’s incessant paranoia - likely as a result of prior guilt and trauma from war, a consequence of the past - which he despises, as well as the disputes he has with roommates and senior figures in the college. His inability to reconcile with others proves to be extremely detrimental to his future, which is one of the themes I enjoyed most throughout the novel. Another crucial part of Messner’s character is his confusion regarding various parts of his identity, such as relationships, explored through his conflicted feelings towards a girl he meets named Olivia. It is interesting to see how these aspects of his character ultimately decide his fate.

One of the other main themes of the novel is the clash between Messner’s religious and moral views in a traditional American society, and his ‘indignation’ at the authorities above him who he disagrees with, which gives the book its title. This theme becomes most significant during Messner’s conversation with Dean Caudwell, one of the most powerful scenes in the novel, in which he passionately lays out his beliefs through the ideas of anti-religious writers. He is criticised for this, one of the examples of him having personal problems with others both due to his stubbornness - which primarily manifests itself in the form of arguments - and refusal to negotiate with others.

I enjoyed the book as Philip Roth manages to effectively convey the thoughts and feelings of Messner through his narration, while also allowing us to understand Messner’s flaws, some of which he himself does not recognise. I also liked the ending of Indignation and the revelation of the events that have transpired after its conclusion, something which is alluded to in some earlier parts of the novel. Furthermore, it is interesting to witness Messner’s thoughts during moments of tension - which can explain his inflexibility at times - as well as how he shares qualities that he criticises in others, such as not realising that he is constantly paranoid, just like his father.

The book is also relatively short as well as fast paced, and does not dwell on any major events for too long, meaning that the reader is engaged for the entire duration of the novel. Overall, I enjoyed Indignation due to Roth’s powerful portrayal of the struggles Messner faced due to his values and character, as well as the themes that underline this struggle, and the tone and pacing of the novel.

If you'd like to recommend a book of the week, please email your suggestion and your recommendation review to any member of the English Dept: happy reading!