This sounds like such a fascinating read! I love it when a book makes you think - and when you can’t stop thinking about it long after you’ve finished it. I bet it would be a good one to re-read at some point, too, to help you further explore the themes. I’ll have to give it a go. Thank you for sharing
If Lacan and his influence on intergenerational trauma remains of interest, I highly recommend reading The Unsayable by Annie Rogers. Her first book, A Shining Affliction, is also good but Unsayable really powerfully conveys this.
I enjoyed Scaffolding a lot and think it can also be read alongside various Annie Erneaux books and Colombe Schneck’s The Paris Trilogy, translated by Elkin. Lots of parallels and food for thought and discussion.
Thank you so much for writing such an in-depth review of this book, Kate. There is so much to unpack there, Elkin is so gifted in folding in multitudes of themes and subplots in her narrative... it's impossible to say what ONE thing the book is about.
Fun fact, when Spotify put out my Most Listened artists of 2024, Satie was number 1. I just kept looking for ways to prolong the sensation of being in this book!
Fascinating: I immediately ordered it through my library (despite good intentions of writing a list, and ordering when I'm not already on the library waiting list for half a dozen more!) but am now wondering if I should be reading Lacan first! I came across him when studying psychodynamics, but can't remember much about his ideas. Still, I want to read books that challenge - and if I love it, I'll just have to buy it!
That’s great!! (My library good intentions go out the window regularly, too…) I think honestly it’s a great book with or without the Lacan knowledge, but it did make for a richer experience once I read up a little bit on his ideas. I also didn’t know a lot about the French women’s movement, but as you say, it’s good to read books that challenge and allow for further enquiry.
This sounds like such a fascinating read! I love it when a book makes you think - and when you can’t stop thinking about it long after you’ve finished it. I bet it would be a good one to re-read at some point, too, to help you further explore the themes. I’ll have to give it a go. Thank you for sharing
It's so good!! But yes, I definitely think it's one I'd return to and probably find even more to explore.
If Lacan and his influence on intergenerational trauma remains of interest, I highly recommend reading The Unsayable by Annie Rogers. Her first book, A Shining Affliction, is also good but Unsayable really powerfully conveys this.
Thanks! Sounds interesting 🤔
I enjoyed Scaffolding a lot and think it can also be read alongside various Annie Erneaux books and Colombe Schneck’s The Paris Trilogy, translated by Elkin. Lots of parallels and food for thought and discussion.
Some excellent recommendations, thanks Liza!
Definitely one to add to my reading list !
Thank you Kate.
Yaay! Thanks Maureen 😀
Thank you so much for writing such an in-depth review of this book, Kate. There is so much to unpack there, Elkin is so gifted in folding in multitudes of themes and subplots in her narrative... it's impossible to say what ONE thing the book is about.
Fun fact, when Spotify put out my Most Listened artists of 2024, Satie was number 1. I just kept looking for ways to prolong the sensation of being in this book!
I love that!! Now you are making me want to go and listen to some myself…
It was so hard to pick what to write about with this book…I don't know how Lauren got it all in there, but she totally did!
and it doesn't feel jammed in! it's so well done! i am so glad you liked it, i don't think i could have stayed friends with you if you didn't 😂
😄 you are my literary soul sister, of course we both liked it 😘
"I have just finished reading Lauren Elkin’s debut novel Scaffolding and I cannot stop thinking about it."
The ultimate compliment to a writer! Given the subject matter, I can see why. Great writing Kate! 👏
Thank you, Baird!
My goodness you have made me want to read this... wonderful rich review.
Thanks, Laura! I definitely recommend it :)
Fascinating: I immediately ordered it through my library (despite good intentions of writing a list, and ordering when I'm not already on the library waiting list for half a dozen more!) but am now wondering if I should be reading Lacan first! I came across him when studying psychodynamics, but can't remember much about his ideas. Still, I want to read books that challenge - and if I love it, I'll just have to buy it!
That’s great!! (My library good intentions go out the window regularly, too…) I think honestly it’s a great book with or without the Lacan knowledge, but it did make for a richer experience once I read up a little bit on his ideas. I also didn’t know a lot about the French women’s movement, but as you say, it’s good to read books that challenge and allow for further enquiry.