Novel "The Book of George" Explores Male Entitlement in Changing Society
Kate Greathead's "The Book of George" examines the struggles of a privileged young man in a more equal world. The novel offers a satirical look at male narcissism and arrested development.
In a society where traditional male advantages are waning, Kate Greathead's novel "The Book of George" offers a satirical exploration of male entitlement and arrested development. The book's release comes at a time when young men are increasingly facing challenges in education, employment, and social relationships.
The novel's protagonist, George, embodies the struggles of a generation of privileged young men grappling with a changing world. Born with every advantage, George's journey from college to early adulthood is marked by a narcissistic worldview and an inability to adapt to new realities.
Greathead's narrative voice skillfully captures George's inflated sense of self-worth:
"George's indecisiveness when it came to picking a major was rooted in a lifelong conviction — which he was beginning to question — that he was exceptional in most regards."
This quote encapsulates the "Peter Pan syndrome" often associated with young adults who struggle to mature and take on adult responsibilities.
The novel's structure, consisting of 14 linked stories, provides a time-lapse view of George's life, highlighting his failure to thrive in various aspects of life. This approach aligns with the concept of "emerging adulthood," a developmental stage proposed by psychologist Jeffrey Arnett in 2000 to describe the extended period of identity exploration and instability experienced by many young adults.
George's character arc reflects broader societal trends, such as the "boomerang generation" phenomenon, where young adults return to live with their parents due to economic challenges. His struggles in the job market mirror the experiences of many millennials who entered the workforce during or after the Great Recession of 2008.
The novel also delves into George's toxic relationships, particularly with his long-suffering girlfriend Jenny. Greathead portrays George as a "parasitic boyfriend" who weaponizes his depression and uses elaborate apologies as a form of self-aggrandizement. This behavior exemplifies the concept of "toxic masculinity" that has gained prominence in recent years.
Greathead's work serves as a commentary on the "failure to launch" syndrome and the "quarter-life crisis" experienced by many young adults. By focusing on George's literary aspirations and self-delusions, the author highlights the disconnect between his protagonist's perception of his talents and the realities of the world around him.
The novel's title, "The Book of George," ironically positions the protagonist as a canonical figure, underscoring the outdated nature of his worldview. This approach echoes the concept of the "snowflake generation," a term used to criticize perceived oversensitivity in young adults.
In conclusion, Greathead's novel offers a poignant and humorous examination of male entitlement in a changing society. By contrasting George's struggles with the successes of his female peers, the book reflects the ongoing shift in gender dynamics and the challenges faced by those unwilling or unable to adapt to a more equitable world.
"Oh, please, I know you. I know exactly who you are. … You're bitter about the fact that for the first time in history, being a privileged white guy is not going to get you all the things."
This confrontation encapsulates the novel's central theme, serving as a wake-up call not only for George but for a generation of young men facing similar struggles in today's rapidly evolving society.
