Status Updates From Fonseca: A Novel

“Should pity be subdivided?” I have wondered this many times. Penelope is casually shameless to nearly reptilian, and now I wonder if I’ve been wrongheaded and baseline human is indifference.

Yes, this is the point of relatable fiction.

Definitely feeling a bit Hill House and now torn about Penelope, even as her motivation makes sense for the 1950s and any time. Valpy and Chela and Jo Hopper are easier.

“…Penelope could chart Elena’s progress by the expression of her guests. .. Almost all immediately freshened their drinks after talking with her.” LOL

The stoic reporting of just-outside-normal-behavior from a sympathetic protagonist as everyone tilts surreal: it’s giving Shirley Jackson x Ann Patchett. I’m vaguely uncomfortable and like it.