In the digital age, aesthetics have become paramount, with online communities forming around specific visual and thematic styles. One such phenomenon is dark academia, a subculture that gained traction during recent pandemic lockdowns. This genre, characterized by its focus on classic literature, Gothic elements, and academic settings, has inspired numerous creative works, including Alexis Henderson's novel "An Academy for Liars."
The dark academia aesthetic typically evokes images of elite boarding schools, classical literature, and a touch of the supernatural. Alexis Henderson's work certainly embraces these elements, but perhaps to a fault. The novel centers around Lennon Carter, a 24-year-old protagonist who finds herself admitted to the mysterious Drayton College in Utah.
Drayton College, where students learn the art of persuasion, serves as the primary setting for the story. This concept draws parallels to real-world psychological studies on persuasion and attitude change. However, the novel takes this idea to fantastical extremes, suggesting that some gifted individuals can manipulate space and time through persuasive techniques.
While the premise is intriguing, the execution falls short in several aspects. The characters, including Lennon, often behave inconsistently, making it difficult for readers to connect with them. For instance, Lennon's reactions to using her powers fluctuate wildly, undermining the believability of her character development.
The romance subplot between Lennon and her 33-year-old professor, Dante, also raises concerns. Their relationship, fraught with power imbalances, feels more problematic than romantic. This dynamic is particularly troubling given that the average age of first-time novelists is around 36, highlighting the significant age and experience gap between the characters.
Henderson's writing does have its merits. The author occasionally demonstrates a talent for evocative prose and witty observations. For example, the mention of a character owning not one, but two Eames chairs – iconic pieces of mid-20th century modern furniture design – effectively conveys the affluence of Drayton College.
The novel also excels in creating a moody atmosphere, with descriptions of eyeless faces, nosebleeds, and ivy-covered buildings contributing to a creepy ambiance. These elements align well with the dark academia aesthetic, which often draws inspiration from Gothic literature classics like "The Picture of Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde.
However, the overreliance on genre tropes becomes tedious. The constant mention of characters smoking clove cigarettes – a detail that feels forced given that clove cigarettes have been banned in many countries due to health concerns – and the use of androgynous names for female characters come across as attempts to tick boxes rather than organic world-building.
"This is an extremely marketable book, sure to inspire mood boards and playlists among its devotees. But if you're looking for an effective, purposeful story and sensible character development, look elsewhere. Alas, Instagram-friendly aesthetics do not a work of literature make."
Ultimately, "An Academy for Liars" prioritizes style over substance. While it may appeal to fans of the dark academia aesthetic and inspire creative expressions like mood boards and playlists, it falls short as a cohesive narrative. The novel serves as a reminder that while aesthetics can draw readers in, it's the strength of the storytelling and character development that truly makes a lasting impact in literature.