Complicating the Marriage Plot: A Reading List
For the past six years, I’ve been working on a project that I describe to strangers and casual acquaintances as “a book about flowers,” and to friends and family as “a book about flowers and my not-marriage.” Though the book’s
Engagement, a novel by Gun-Britt Sundström, addresses the intricacies of courtship and the burdens of marriage in a way that resonates with many women. Translated into English from Swedish in 1976, the book follows the life of Martina, who refuses to marry despite being courted by a man who desires to wed her. Set in the 1960s, Engagement explores the tension between personal autonomy and the societal pressure to conform to traditional expectations of marriage.
The novel's title, which translates to "husband," underscores the central question of whether the sacrifices one makes for love and companionship are truly worth it.
Next on the list is The Book of Love by Kelly Link, a lengthy but captivating read that boasts over 700 pages. The book tells the story of three teenagers who return to life after being brought back to a high school classroom. The small Massachusetts town is the only place where the teens' absence is noticed, with the exception of Susannah, who shares a connection with two of them.
The Book of Love explores the dynamics of love, courtship, and partnership, ultimately concluding with no marriages, opting instead for more profound forms of connection. As if that weren't enough, the novel also contains references to fox sex, adding an unexpected and intriguing element to the story.
Marie Helene Bertino's Parakeet is another book that I highly recommend, having been recommended to me during the initial stages of writing Flowers. The story revolves around a Bride who receives a visit from her dead grandmother in the form of a parakeet. The novel delves into themes of unreality, such as a talking bird, body-swapping between characters, and the dissolution of a bathroom stall.
Although the plot revolves around the bride's impending marriage, the true focus is on family ties and the impact of the past on the future. The book is also filled with humor, making it an engaging and enjoyable read.
David Szalay's Flesh: A Novel offers a unique perspective on the complex world of romantic and sexual relationships. Spanning several decades, the novel follows István's life, highlighting his consequential romantic and sexual experiences. With significant time jumps between events, Flesh provides a comprehensive look at a character's journey through love and intimacy.
István ultimately ends up married, but the novel is more than just a tale of love and matrimony; it delves into the broader implications of human connections and the influence of our past on our present.
Written by urgent.news from Literary Hub's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
