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Shezlez the Self-Proclaimed
Shezlez the Self-Proclaimed is an absurdist story about a poor man’s ambition to organise his own political party in an unnamed country characterised by moral apathy, poverty and heartless bureaucracy. Upon his first speech, so rousing as to attract the attention of the Progressive Party, Shezlez finds himself embroiled in a corrupt scheme of deceit and backstabbing in the leadup to the upcoming mayoral elections. A Machiavellian tale of political ambition, Shezlez the Self-Proclaimed examines the fickleness of loyalty, and interrogates the perennial question of whether the pursuit of power, no matter how idealistic its genesis, can ever remain a noble quest.
124 pages, Paperback
Published August 19, 2020
30 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
September 13, 2020
Shezlez the Self-Proclaimed is an absurdist novel that centers around (obviously) Shezlez, a man who decides to start afresh after discovering that there aren't any records of his existence. Delving into the world of politics, we see how this ambition to be something greater affects his relationships and values as he progresses down the path of power.
This novella implores readers to think: what is it that drives people to become politicians? Is it out of a heart of service, a want for fame and money, or is it a combination of all these things? Shezlez initially seems to be someone who is vaguely unsatisfied with plight of the lower-income bracket, but as he gains fame and fortune, this dissatisfaction is replaced by the greed for more, as well as a disregard for things and people not useful to his endgame; this change is characterised by the appearance of the unsightly, foul-smelling pus that haunts him, reflecting his moral decay. Much like what I've read, I can't help but wonder how these notions of grandeur affect the motivations of real-life politicians—is it possible for one to remain true to their noble intentions and not get carried away by the things that come along with it? As an absurdist novel, it provides no answers and no conclusions, leaving it up to the readers to decide whether such clear intents can withstand the climb to the top.
Having been my first time reading this kind of story, it made for a really interesting yet tumultuous experience since it was hard to discern the meaning of certain events and the motivations of the different characters (I still have yet to figure out some of them). Nonetheless, this was an enjoyable and rather quick read that poses a lot of good questions on the political scene for us to ponder over.
*Thanks to Ethos Books for the review copy!
This novella implores readers to think: what is it that drives people to become politicians? Is it out of a heart of service, a want for fame and money, or is it a combination of all these things? Shezlez initially seems to be someone who is vaguely unsatisfied with plight of the lower-income bracket, but as he gains fame and fortune, this dissatisfaction is replaced by the greed for more, as well as a disregard for things and people not useful to his endgame; this change is characterised by the appearance of the unsightly, foul-smelling pus that haunts him, reflecting his moral decay. Much like what I've read, I can't help but wonder how these notions of grandeur affect the motivations of real-life politicians—is it possible for one to remain true to their noble intentions and not get carried away by the things that come along with it? As an absurdist novel, it provides no answers and no conclusions, leaving it up to the readers to decide whether such clear intents can withstand the climb to the top.
Having been my first time reading this kind of story, it made for a really interesting yet tumultuous experience since it was hard to discern the meaning of certain events and the motivations of the different characters (I still have yet to figure out some of them). Nonetheless, this was an enjoyable and rather quick read that poses a lot of good questions on the political scene for us to ponder over.
*Thanks to Ethos Books for the review copy!
September 15, 2020
Shezlez the Self-Proclaimed is an absurdist story about a poor man who decided to start afresh after finding out there are no records of him officially, through some bureaucratic mistake or other. Discovering by accident that he is good with speeches, he thought he take a shot at politics.
I don't do well with absurdist fiction - I struggled with Camus and Kafka. However, I appreciate that, like all good fiction, it strives to pose thought-provoking scenarios. Shezlez seemed to stumble along, unaware of his fleeting motivations, which changed at a whim. Did he want to do something about the apathetic community or did he want to see crowds of people chanting his name? Likely both. How did that play into his political strategy?
I couldn't understand the random sprinklings of magical realism though. I don't know if that is characteristic of absurd fiction, but while it felt atmospheric and lent to the surreal, gloomy feeling, it didn't make much of an impact.
Thank you Ethos Books for the ARC!
I don't do well with absurdist fiction - I struggled with Camus and Kafka. However, I appreciate that, like all good fiction, it strives to pose thought-provoking scenarios. Shezlez seemed to stumble along, unaware of his fleeting motivations, which changed at a whim. Did he want to do something about the apathetic community or did he want to see crowds of people chanting his name? Likely both. How did that play into his political strategy?
I couldn't understand the random sprinklings of magical realism though. I don't know if that is characteristic of absurd fiction, but while it felt atmospheric and lent to the surreal, gloomy feeling, it didn't make much of an impact.
Thank you Ethos Books for the ARC!
September 10, 2020
Trite prose and fast paced. This book is very readable and can be enjoyed by many. But maybe too readable to be considered absurd?
It’s hard when your genre counterparts are Camus, Beckett and Kafka. I think the writer is better compared to Murakami and his prowess in magical realism because I’m not convinced a few unexplainable occurrences are enough to make the entire novella “absurd”. This is why I make it a point not to read blurbs before I read a book.
That being said, I did appreciate and enjoy the story. Something happens at every chapter and it hits like whiplash. Shezlez is almost prophetic and people melt in his words. But his motivations and goals are complex so he faces questions of morality every so often. Power is yucky and it corrupts even the most well meaning person.
I recommend this book because it’s an easy read that can rouse discussions on politics and society. It’s hard to emanate Machiavellian characters so I think the writer made a good attempt. The writing student in me just begs for more exposition but I digress, a novella is what it can be.
+This book was gifted to me by its publisher, Ethos Books. Thank you!
It’s hard when your genre counterparts are Camus, Beckett and Kafka. I think the writer is better compared to Murakami and his prowess in magical realism because I’m not convinced a few unexplainable occurrences are enough to make the entire novella “absurd”. This is why I make it a point not to read blurbs before I read a book.
That being said, I did appreciate and enjoy the story. Something happens at every chapter and it hits like whiplash. Shezlez is almost prophetic and people melt in his words. But his motivations and goals are complex so he faces questions of morality every so often. Power is yucky and it corrupts even the most well meaning person.
I recommend this book because it’s an easy read that can rouse discussions on politics and society. It’s hard to emanate Machiavellian characters so I think the writer made a good attempt. The writing student in me just begs for more exposition but I digress, a novella is what it can be.
+This book was gifted to me by its publisher, Ethos Books. Thank you!
November 3, 2020
It’s my first time reading an absurdist novella in my life and this book left me with many questions as it is witty. Are absurdist stories supposed to be ridiculous and peppered with little details such as dead sparrows and foul-smelling pus sometimes? Perhaps.
I greatly appreciated the author’s empathy to Shezlez, whom we see at the start of the story, a nobody in his country’s official books. The self-awareness of his own invisibility and anonymity gave rise to a hopeful spirit for a new beginning. Shezlez saw that as an opportunity to reinvent himself, and gave himself a new identity.
Underneath the public portrayal of noble-sounding speeches and charismatic personalities, lies a hunger for power or an already corrupted heart in possession of that power. It intriguingly invites us to consider what goes on in the personal sphere, in the private depths of a politician’s hearts and minds - what is their true motivation for joining politics? Is it money? Fame? Power? Or truly a noble quest to serve? Can all these desires exist at once? Yes, Shezlez has illustrated that it is possible. For one, he is a man devoted to larger, noble causes, dissatisfied with society and at the same time striving for the betterment of it. On the other hand, many of his thoughts were labelled as ‘deviant’, and they were deviant for a reason. For no politician would openly admit that they desired power.
“Every revolution needs justification, if not, an excuse,” that sounds something like this: I want to serve the public and fight for the greater good, a better tomorrow. This book interrogates the intentions of politicians, almost saying: “Touch your heart! Are you sure? Is that really all to it?” “...based on the simple reason that a rational person won’t risk or even lay down his life for something other than his biological prerogative.” Because very so often we find our noble quest for power tainted by greed, corruption and well...possession of power itself.
Shezlez, like a worthless sparrow, is trampled by a mob of people seemingly less powerful than him but also ironically, had the power to destroy him. “政治是黑暗的(politics is darkness).” my mum always said. The naive me once disagreed, but perhaps there is some truth to her statement.
I greatly appreciated the author’s empathy to Shezlez, whom we see at the start of the story, a nobody in his country’s official books. The self-awareness of his own invisibility and anonymity gave rise to a hopeful spirit for a new beginning. Shezlez saw that as an opportunity to reinvent himself, and gave himself a new identity.
Underneath the public portrayal of noble-sounding speeches and charismatic personalities, lies a hunger for power or an already corrupted heart in possession of that power. It intriguingly invites us to consider what goes on in the personal sphere, in the private depths of a politician’s hearts and minds - what is their true motivation for joining politics? Is it money? Fame? Power? Or truly a noble quest to serve? Can all these desires exist at once? Yes, Shezlez has illustrated that it is possible. For one, he is a man devoted to larger, noble causes, dissatisfied with society and at the same time striving for the betterment of it. On the other hand, many of his thoughts were labelled as ‘deviant’, and they were deviant for a reason. For no politician would openly admit that they desired power.
“Every revolution needs justification, if not, an excuse,” that sounds something like this: I want to serve the public and fight for the greater good, a better tomorrow. This book interrogates the intentions of politicians, almost saying: “Touch your heart! Are you sure? Is that really all to it?” “...based on the simple reason that a rational person won’t risk or even lay down his life for something other than his biological prerogative.” Because very so often we find our noble quest for power tainted by greed, corruption and well...possession of power itself.
Shezlez, like a worthless sparrow, is trampled by a mob of people seemingly less powerful than him but also ironically, had the power to destroy him. “政治是黑暗的(politics is darkness).” my mum always said. The naive me once disagreed, but perhaps there is some truth to her statement.
September 9, 2020
How do I describe this story? It is so unlike anything I have read before. It reminded me a bit of Kafka’s ‘The Trial,’ but just a little bit. I must admit I was baffled by the premise, but as the story progressed it started to make more and more sense. I think it helps that we just had a general election last month, so in that light, this was quite a short but interesting read. TLDR, a man living in a cold country tries to start his own political party, but it obviously does not end well.
The longer version: Shezlez, our hero, wakes up one morning to find out that there are no records of his existence. Having done nothing of note with his life thus far, he decides to reinvent himself and seek fame by going into politics on behalf of the marginalised. His incendiary words propel him into the spotlight and he becomes a celebrity practically overnight. Initially he is pleased because he got the wealth and attention that he wanted, and he enjoys being recognised in the street and approached by strangers. He even finds romance, but everything does a 180 when he becomes self-serving. He becomes haunted by a foul-smelling pus that seems to be spreading across the city like a skin disease, which I think symbolises his own corruption. He realises that the people with their raw anger cannot be tamed or controlled the way he wants to, and ultimately surrenders to power of the mob.
As the narrative focuses on the characters’ inner thoughts, there is little to be gleaned about the environment but it is clear that this story is set in a very bleak and hopeless place. There are “the authorities,” who have done nothing about the alarming rates of homelessness and street violence in this desolate place, but the only available option is to join the Progressive Party. How exactly they are progressive, you do not know and you never find out. They are represented by a menacing duo that is very reminiscent of Pinter’s ‘The Birthday Party.’ The people are powder kegs ready to blow, and Shezlez does not understand that when he starts his own party. He profits from their unhappiness and lives comfortably, but ends up alienating and being alienated by the very people who gave him his power. The latent violence hinted at in chapter 1 via the dead sparrow mutates into full-blown riots and stampedes.
In hindsight, the ending was entirely fitting. Shezlez was never a hero to begin with, despite how he views himself. He simply did not care enough about the people he tried to weaponise, and he also flip-flopped about on his own ideology. What is the point in delivering long speeches or manifestos if your actions do not match up and you hurt the people around you?
Lastly, what really struck me was the way Shezlez continued to place his trust in the municipal system even after it has failed him. Unable to accept his setback, he fixates on the results of the recount by the electoral committee, as if hoping a miracle will occur and affirm him and give his life purpose again. Honestly, what a selfish and useless main character. It was very difficult to root for someone like him. He’s got the hubris to market himself into a political icon, but internally he is too morally bankrupt to preach about ethics. In fact, he seems to function as a symbol of impotence and failure itself, on all levels, speech or otherwise.
The longer version: Shezlez, our hero, wakes up one morning to find out that there are no records of his existence. Having done nothing of note with his life thus far, he decides to reinvent himself and seek fame by going into politics on behalf of the marginalised. His incendiary words propel him into the spotlight and he becomes a celebrity practically overnight. Initially he is pleased because he got the wealth and attention that he wanted, and he enjoys being recognised in the street and approached by strangers. He even finds romance, but everything does a 180 when he becomes self-serving. He becomes haunted by a foul-smelling pus that seems to be spreading across the city like a skin disease, which I think symbolises his own corruption. He realises that the people with their raw anger cannot be tamed or controlled the way he wants to, and ultimately surrenders to power of the mob.
As the narrative focuses on the characters’ inner thoughts, there is little to be gleaned about the environment but it is clear that this story is set in a very bleak and hopeless place. There are “the authorities,” who have done nothing about the alarming rates of homelessness and street violence in this desolate place, but the only available option is to join the Progressive Party. How exactly they are progressive, you do not know and you never find out. They are represented by a menacing duo that is very reminiscent of Pinter’s ‘The Birthday Party.’ The people are powder kegs ready to blow, and Shezlez does not understand that when he starts his own party. He profits from their unhappiness and lives comfortably, but ends up alienating and being alienated by the very people who gave him his power. The latent violence hinted at in chapter 1 via the dead sparrow mutates into full-blown riots and stampedes.
In hindsight, the ending was entirely fitting. Shezlez was never a hero to begin with, despite how he views himself. He simply did not care enough about the people he tried to weaponise, and he also flip-flopped about on his own ideology. What is the point in delivering long speeches or manifestos if your actions do not match up and you hurt the people around you?
Lastly, what really struck me was the way Shezlez continued to place his trust in the municipal system even after it has failed him. Unable to accept his setback, he fixates on the results of the recount by the electoral committee, as if hoping a miracle will occur and affirm him and give his life purpose again. Honestly, what a selfish and useless main character. It was very difficult to root for someone like him. He’s got the hubris to market himself into a political icon, but internally he is too morally bankrupt to preach about ethics. In fact, he seems to function as a symbol of impotence and failure itself, on all levels, speech or otherwise.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2020
Shezlez the Self-Proclaimed is an absurdist tale about Shezlez who, upon being essentially erased from the system in his unnamed country, decides to completely reinvent himself—and in doing so, unwittingly becomes a significant political figure ahead of his country's mayoral elections.
The novel’s main discussion surrounds political power: Can it exist without corruption, or is that just part of the deal? Shezlez doesn’t start out seeking power—in fact, he kinda just falls into it. But soon, he is engulfed by the perks that power provides (wealth, fame, and ego)…and before he knows it, he’s trapped in a self-made prison; confined by his rabid supporters and overzealous campaign manager, and also trapped in his own selfishness, blind to everything else - especially the needs of others, which, as a government official, is kinda what it’s all about. His plight is further alluded through his hallucinations of pus, unsettling and revolting - a symbol of his own decay.
Another thing that stood out to me was the portrayal of Shezlez as a celebrity, not unlike how politicians are treated in modern society (Obama and AOC come to mind, as well as Jamus Lim for us Singaporeans LMAO). Shezlez encourages us to take a step back and question: What are we actually supporting here? Are we celebrating political figures in and of themselves, or for the ideology that they supposedly promote? And can one exist without the other—that is, do these figures sway our beliefs because of their charm/demeanour/etc, or do we like them 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 they echo our beliefs? And is such elevation of political figures even necessary at all?
And what are the effects of this idolisation—do they harm the individual, and inflate their ego? This book exposes the emptiness of Shezlez’s egoism rather effectively - you can’t help but feel that his sense of grandeur is a delusion, and you almost feel sorry for him.
This is a short, easy read, and a rather Kafka-esque narrative that I thoroughly enjoyed. I think it's a worthy read for all of us in today’s political climate—it definitely gave me a lot to think about!
A huge thanks to Ethos Books for the review copy! 🥰
The novel’s main discussion surrounds political power: Can it exist without corruption, or is that just part of the deal? Shezlez doesn’t start out seeking power—in fact, he kinda just falls into it. But soon, he is engulfed by the perks that power provides (wealth, fame, and ego)…and before he knows it, he’s trapped in a self-made prison; confined by his rabid supporters and overzealous campaign manager, and also trapped in his own selfishness, blind to everything else - especially the needs of others, which, as a government official, is kinda what it’s all about. His plight is further alluded through his hallucinations of pus, unsettling and revolting - a symbol of his own decay.
Another thing that stood out to me was the portrayal of Shezlez as a celebrity, not unlike how politicians are treated in modern society (Obama and AOC come to mind, as well as Jamus Lim for us Singaporeans LMAO). Shezlez encourages us to take a step back and question: What are we actually supporting here? Are we celebrating political figures in and of themselves, or for the ideology that they supposedly promote? And can one exist without the other—that is, do these figures sway our beliefs because of their charm/demeanour/etc, or do we like them 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 they echo our beliefs? And is such elevation of political figures even necessary at all?
And what are the effects of this idolisation—do they harm the individual, and inflate their ego? This book exposes the emptiness of Shezlez’s egoism rather effectively - you can’t help but feel that his sense of grandeur is a delusion, and you almost feel sorry for him.
This is a short, easy read, and a rather Kafka-esque narrative that I thoroughly enjoyed. I think it's a worthy read for all of us in today’s political climate—it definitely gave me a lot to think about!
A huge thanks to Ethos Books for the review copy! 🥰
May 22, 2021
I can never resist absurdist writing!! This particular absurdist novella speaks of existential themes, asking questions like what it means to carve out your own existence in a state that doesn’t recognise you, and whether a person creates power in his likeness, or if power will come to transform the person instead.
The narrative of the story is disorientating, the writing is non-linear and clipped; These form the perfect tone and rhythm to reflect the alienation that Shezlez himself experiences. In the pursuit of identity through power, he is alienated not only from society and the people who were once close to him, but most of all from himself. And while we often look to powerful people to judge their intentions, Shezlez elucidates that this is a meaningless question — there is no good nor bad, only what is and what it’s worth.
This one is a short read (I finished it in just one sitting, partly also because I could barely put it down!) and I’d recommend it to anyone who’s interested in politics, society and philosophy. Rating it a solid 4/5, and docking a point only because I wish the writer had included just a little more of Shezlez’s voice earlier in the book to help the reader place this character.
The narrative of the story is disorientating, the writing is non-linear and clipped; These form the perfect tone and rhythm to reflect the alienation that Shezlez himself experiences. In the pursuit of identity through power, he is alienated not only from society and the people who were once close to him, but most of all from himself. And while we often look to powerful people to judge their intentions, Shezlez elucidates that this is a meaningless question — there is no good nor bad, only what is and what it’s worth.
This one is a short read (I finished it in just one sitting, partly also because I could barely put it down!) and I’d recommend it to anyone who’s interested in politics, society and philosophy. Rating it a solid 4/5, and docking a point only because I wish the writer had included just a little more of Shezlez’s voice earlier in the book to help the reader place this character.
January 17, 2024
i didn't know what to make of this as i was reading it. i don't read absurdist fiction a lot so i did not know what to expect.
i thought that this book was initially a little orwellian ("power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely") and i thought, maybe it's a simplistic critique on the nature of parliamentary politics, and also something we have heard before. but as the book went on, i realised that perhaps the author was hinting at something deeper, more systemic: the parliamentary electoral system and the party politics system swallows people up whole. no personality can hope to enter this system and bring change because they will not infiltrate the system; the system will infiltrate them. but also, the book begins with a man with a newly inflated ego entering politics, which seems to indicate that politics is a bit about personalities. personalities represent a movement as a symbol. but substantively, politics is never about ideologies or the content of policies, but about the competition of egos and the monopoly of power.
i thought that this book was initially a little orwellian ("power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely") and i thought, maybe it's a simplistic critique on the nature of parliamentary politics, and also something we have heard before. but as the book went on, i realised that perhaps the author was hinting at something deeper, more systemic: the parliamentary electoral system and the party politics system swallows people up whole. no personality can hope to enter this system and bring change because they will not infiltrate the system; the system will infiltrate them. but also, the book begins with a man with a newly inflated ego entering politics, which seems to indicate that politics is a bit about personalities. personalities represent a movement as a symbol. but substantively, politics is never about ideologies or the content of policies, but about the competition of egos and the monopoly of power.
May 18, 2024
Enjoyable short and fast-paced read about the political world with some absurdist features (though a lot more readable, perhaps too readable, compared to the likes of Pinter etc.)
The main character Shezlez, starts off as an ordinary man who ended up getting entangled in the political scene after a spur of the moment impassionate speech. From there his naive ideas of political marketing grows descends into opportunity and at last schemes, becoming yet another player in the political game. Tragically, his ephiphany comes about just as he is going to die, ironically crushed by the very own supporters who were once believers — turned into an entity in the game as well.
The main character Shezlez, starts off as an ordinary man who ended up getting entangled in the political scene after a spur of the moment impassionate speech. From there his naive ideas of political marketing grows descends into opportunity and at last schemes, becoming yet another player in the political game. Tragically, his ephiphany comes about just as he is going to die, ironically crushed by the very own supporters who were once believers — turned into an entity in the game as well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2020
The story starts in a place we are all too familiar with - a public administration building. Our man Shezlez is collecting his family history information, mainly out of curiosity and in search of his identity. Like any visit to public administration, there is a queue, officers speak from memorised scripts, and of course, there is a glitch in the computer system - Shezlez does not exist. Or rather, his family history is not in the records. It is not a bad situation to find yourself in, since you can take this chance to be whatever you want, which was exactly what he had in mind.
The story continues this way, with strange events happening in familiar settings. Each time we hope that Shezlez would make good use of his unique situation, but are let down as he sinks deeper into a mix of greed and delusion. It is a story that brings up hope in humanity and society, then tears it down. Although we see that coming, it still dashes any hope and optimism we have about today’s government and societies.
Despite being an absurdist novel (with many WTF moments), you could still identify many elements of today’s societies. These are more obvious upon reflection, and the epiphany in Chapter 20 screams out all the things that are wrong with today’s political systems. Two points that resonated with me were:
- “I’m more willing to accept the law as the only monopoly over society rather than someone’s private undertaking”
- “Perhaps the most frightening thing that can beset one society, is for the morals principles that dominate it to remain neither articulated nor affirmed through the norms and principles, and tenets of social contract between the government and her citizens. “
I’m not sure which hurts my brain more: the absurdity of the events, or politics. But not all brain-hurting is bad - this was an entertaining and thought-provoking read, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a refreshing change in the way books present political views. Pro tip: it might be better to read this slowly, and maybe take some deep breaths before starting on chapter 20. It is a stark contrast to the rest of the book written in easy-to-read prose that frankly nobody would be ready for.
Thank you to Ethos Books for a review copy of this book!
The story continues this way, with strange events happening in familiar settings. Each time we hope that Shezlez would make good use of his unique situation, but are let down as he sinks deeper into a mix of greed and delusion. It is a story that brings up hope in humanity and society, then tears it down. Although we see that coming, it still dashes any hope and optimism we have about today’s government and societies.
Despite being an absurdist novel (with many WTF moments), you could still identify many elements of today’s societies. These are more obvious upon reflection, and the epiphany in Chapter 20 screams out all the things that are wrong with today’s political systems. Two points that resonated with me were:
- “I’m more willing to accept the law as the only monopoly over society rather than someone’s private undertaking”
- “Perhaps the most frightening thing that can beset one society, is for the morals principles that dominate it to remain neither articulated nor affirmed through the norms and principles, and tenets of social contract between the government and her citizens. “
I’m not sure which hurts my brain more: the absurdity of the events, or politics. But not all brain-hurting is bad - this was an entertaining and thought-provoking read, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a refreshing change in the way books present political views. Pro tip: it might be better to read this slowly, and maybe take some deep breaths before starting on chapter 20. It is a stark contrast to the rest of the book written in easy-to-read prose that frankly nobody would be ready for.
Thank you to Ethos Books for a review copy of this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2020
I think the interesting thing about absurdist stories is that they can be ambiguous, and this ambiguity presents readers with the task of deciding for themselves how they want to interpret the characters’ decisions and actions.
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Shezlez the Self-Proclaimed is an absurdist story that describes a poor man’s maiden foray into politics after realising that he “does not exist” in the official records due to some bureaucratic mistake.
Initially inspired to stand up for the marginalised in society, Shezlez intention to remain in the political scene seemed to change frequently throughout the novel, and at a certain point, his motivation appeared to be solely derived from fame and his new found supporters.
This short and readable novel raises thought-provoking questions about whether the pursuit of power can ever be a genuine and noble quest, or one that is inevitably influenced by other egocentric factors.
If you love The Outsider by Albert Camus or similar absurdist novels, check this out!
.
Shezlez the Self-Proclaimed is an absurdist story that describes a poor man’s maiden foray into politics after realising that he “does not exist” in the official records due to some bureaucratic mistake.
Initially inspired to stand up for the marginalised in society, Shezlez intention to remain in the political scene seemed to change frequently throughout the novel, and at a certain point, his motivation appeared to be solely derived from fame and his new found supporters.
This short and readable novel raises thought-provoking questions about whether the pursuit of power can ever be a genuine and noble quest, or one that is inevitably influenced by other egocentric factors.
If you love The Outsider by Albert Camus or similar absurdist novels, check this out!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews