Parade by Rachel Cusk Review

This novel has further cemented my perception that some people truly see the world differently than the rest of us. Some of the long, winding sentences and thought processes that Cusk takes the reader through are difficult to follow, but ultimately, it’s not the takeaway that was always the most relevant for me—it’s the feeling one gets when they read. Even if you don’t agree exactly with her characters or what they’re feeling, you feel for them. It makes you think about your own life—your mom, your family, your attitudes toward parenthood and romantic relationships.

She frames discussions around these very complex and confusing topics through art, which is equally difficult to wrap one’s mind around—especially when it comes to the ethics of consuming art or the processes of creation, as many of her characters are artists, work in curating art, or are partners of those who create art.

The book is split into four chapters, and the highlights were definitely the second and third for me. I was even considering DNF-ing after the first one, as I was confused about who the characters were, what the point was, and I found the prose hard to grasp. However, I’m glad I didn’t and decided to challenge myself, because Cusk truly does explore so many ideas that I found fascinating.

I loved her discussion about shame, growing up with strict parents, and the complexities of the decision to have children in the second chapter. Tangentially, I loved the concept of inner and outer life. I also loved the conversation in the third chapter where they discuss relationships and the dynamics of power with regards to who’s making money and gender. It was all so relatable and relevant and so well articulated—despite being a bit confusing at times for a girl who spends too much time getting sucked into the Instagram algorithm of swiping and instant gratification.

I’m not sure if I’m a Cusk fan or if I would pick up more of her work, as it’s a bit of an acquired taste and the topics in this one were heavy.

Thank you to Farrar, Straus and Giroux and Rachel Cusk for the gifted review copy!