Scan barcode
justinkhchen's review
3.0
3 stars
For die-hard fans only, I've read a Tao Lin novel years ago and enjoyed it (Taipei), and Leave Society feels like a pseudo-sequel, to the point I believe both novels are essentially autobiographical, documenting the daily (un)mundane of a very particular Taiwanese American individual.
Leave Society drew me in with its frank portrayal of a Chinese family that was dangling between two vastly different cultures—the depiction of the passive aggressiveness between the traditionalist parents and the westernized children (whether that is about language, tradition, or even the home remedy when one catches a cold) had me gasping at its relatability and accuracy (exactly how my family functions)—a very specific dynamic I don't often see written about in Western literature, especially in such an unflattering, unromanticized way.
Being an anecdotal narrative that is almost boring on purpose, connecting with the protagonist is key to a reader's enjoyment. I enjoyed Taipei immensely when I read it during university, because my then sense of identity (or lack of one) closely related to the novel's frenzied protagonist. Reading Leave Society in my mid-30s, it is evident Tao Lin is continuing to be adventurous while I have mellowed out, so the intense obsession over micro-dosing and experimental dieting just doesn't hold my interest.
This is a clear scenario where the author and the reader are no longer on the same wavelength; I can still appreciate objectively Leave Society's literary boldness, documenting a very particular way of life in all of its frustration and tedium, and Tao Lin remains one of the few authors who really captures the undercurrent of a cross-cultured Asian family, but I think I'll stick to his short form work in the future.
**This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated!**
For die-hard fans only, I've read a Tao Lin novel years ago and enjoyed it (Taipei), and Leave Society feels like a pseudo-sequel, to the point I believe both novels are essentially autobiographical, documenting the daily (un)mundane of a very particular Taiwanese American individual.
Leave Society drew me in with its frank portrayal of a Chinese family that was dangling between two vastly different cultures—the depiction of the passive aggressiveness between the traditionalist parents and the westernized children (whether that is about language, tradition, or even the home remedy when one catches a cold) had me gasping at its relatability and accuracy (exactly how my family functions)—a very specific dynamic I don't often see written about in Western literature, especially in such an unflattering, unromanticized way.
Being an anecdotal narrative that is almost boring on purpose, connecting with the protagonist is key to a reader's enjoyment. I enjoyed Taipei immensely when I read it during university, because my then sense of identity (or lack of one) closely related to the novel's frenzied protagonist. Reading Leave Society in my mid-30s, it is evident Tao Lin is continuing to be adventurous while I have mellowed out, so the intense obsession over micro-dosing and experimental dieting just doesn't hold my interest.
This is a clear scenario where the author and the reader are no longer on the same wavelength; I can still appreciate objectively Leave Society's literary boldness, documenting a very particular way of life in all of its frustration and tedium, and Tao Lin remains one of the few authors who really captures the undercurrent of a cross-cultured Asian family, but I think I'll stick to his short form work in the future.
**This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated!**
grxcezhxng's review
2.0
Most of this book is recounting everyday happennings. The repetitive back-and-forth conversations with Lin’s parents and the long monologues about health topics = lots of slow scenes. It delves into the mundane details and humor of each day, moment by moment, without relying on much of a narrative arc or higher message. This fosters an unconditional acceptance that it's alright to live a boring, ordinary life - which is kind of comforting.
Other than that, I didn't like the rest of the book. While at first the writing seems satirical, it becomes clear that this book is autofiction. Li the MC is really just Lin. As a chronic pain patient repeatedly failed by the pharmaceutical and medical industry, Li harbors a deep distrust towards society and holds many non-mainstream beliefs. His preoccupations with his diet, drugs, and existentialist new-age thought models come from this. Li persistently inundates his family with this kind of information and tries to persuade them to "leave society" with him. The cyclical nature of his thoughts, his conversations with his family, his behavioral patterns feel very tunnel vision and isolating.
The only possibly balancing perspective is his mom, when she says, "Leaving is not good. It's better to talk." But characters pretty much only exist to praise Li, and are not independent of themselves. So she's not ever fleshed out enough for her voice to be strong enough. Overall, ends up reading like a drug addict's diary that's almost completely divorced from reality.
Other than that, I didn't like the rest of the book. While at first the writing seems satirical, it becomes clear that this book is autofiction. Li the MC is really just Lin. As a chronic pain patient repeatedly failed by the pharmaceutical and medical industry, Li harbors a deep distrust towards society and holds many non-mainstream beliefs. His preoccupations with his diet, drugs, and existentialist new-age thought models come from this. Li persistently inundates his family with this kind of information and tries to persuade them to "leave society" with him. The cyclical nature of his thoughts, his conversations with his family, his behavioral patterns feel very tunnel vision and isolating.
The only possibly balancing perspective is his mom, when she says, "Leaving is not good. It's better to talk." But characters pretty much only exist to praise Li, and are not independent of themselves. So she's not ever fleshed out enough for her voice to be strong enough. Overall, ends up reading like a drug addict's diary that's almost completely divorced from reality.
katellison's review
4.0
i had to read this very slowly over several months bc tao's prose style triggers my ocd. i liked the book a lot.
my favorite section was when tao starts fucking again and my favorite part was when yuka rubs clay on tao's butt rash and then tao can't say "i love you too" normal.
i felt sad to learn dudu has a traumatic past.
minus one star bc abolish autofiction!!!
my favorite section was when tao starts fucking again and my favorite part was when yuka rubs clay on tao's butt rash and then tao can't say "i love you too" normal.
i felt sad to learn dudu has a traumatic past.
minus one star bc abolish autofiction!!!
msdinola's review
funny
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
garni's review
4.0
this is so me (being a weird hermit and hanging out with m y parents a lot, keeping secrets from them and then confessing when i get stressed oUt)
sunnyd123's review
5.0
“Taipei” but hopeful and healthy. Change from a posture of boredom to one of awe :) it’s just a tiny leaf
willdinola's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75