He pictured the moment in the future when he would tell Joel he’d sold an original screenplay, proving to his brother that he, too, was capable of writing something. More than this – that he was capable of creating something. Joel had only ever been able to write about culture. Emmett wanted to make culture, the value of which would be undeniable, even to Joel.
Emmett keeps quiet about his return, living in a motel and finding a job in a vast distribution centre located in a run-down part of Kentucky. He’s a warehouse man, unloading cargo to be sent out to customers nationwide, much of it ephemeral tat. Joel has moved into his mother’s home, one step up from a trailer, on a short-term teaching gig, along with Alice who has no reason to stay in their New York apartment, still drifting from one dream to another rather like Emmett whose latest idea is to become a screenwriter. When Emmett has no option but to ask for help, he returns home reigniting old resentments with Joel while watching his mother and brother wrangle over politics and conspiracy theories all of which has proved useful to Joel in writing his book, a mashup of family history and critical theory. Both brothers have their own messes to deal with: Joel self-medicating a depression precipitated by his father’s suicide and Alice’s obvious discontent with their marriage; Emmett unable to stifle his envy of his brother’s supposed success. When Alice and Emmett acknowledge their attraction, things can only get worse.
The colossal tide of shit, of plastic gizmos and gadgets and heaps of fabric bound for landfills. Each parcel was a unit of desire, a measurement of someone’s yearning, some human out there.
Cole’s narrative shifts between Emmett and Joel, tackling capitalism, discontent, right-wing politics and its attendant paranoia in a novel which views the state of the nation through the lens of one family. Rather like Adelle Waldman in Help Wanted, Cole takes a satisfying swipe at Amazon through Tempo with its cargo loads of merchandise, much of pointless, and its faux promises to a badly treated staff. Academia comes in for a bashing with Joel’s work as a critical theorist gently mocked, his ransacking of his family for the essays which have made his name on social media reminiscent of Owen and Alma in Groundskeeping. Cole handles the rivalry between the bothers well and there are some very pleasing digs at modern life backed up with strong characterisation, but I found Fulfillment less satisfying than his previous novel. I’ll read his next book but approaching it with lower expectations than I did this one.
Faber & Faber: London 9780571392155 368 pages Hardback (read via NetGalley)
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I can’t remember being wowed by Groundskeeping, though I liked it well enough. So if this one comes my way I’ll read it,but I shan’t move mountains to do so. Is my so-considered reaction – too hot to think straight here in Spain.
I think that’s a good plan. Happy to take a few degrees off you. A gilet under waterproof walk for me this morning.
My Inclement (ish) garments remain in my luggage.
Hi Susan
Sounds interesting, but we’re more interested in reading other books right now.
We are just researching Romanticism – early modern capitalism.
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Hello! That sounds very different and probably more interesting.
Sorry about that extra L — publishers don’t seem to do so much Anglicisation/Americanization of books anymore, instead just leaving them as they are. (Probably for the best as I once came across a couple of instances of ‘Colourado’ where they’d fallen foul of the Replace All function!) I’m awaiting this from the library. It sounds maybe a little too similar to Groundskeeping, which was also one of my favourites from that year. I’ll still read it, but with the tempered expectations you recommend.
Oh no! That’s embarrassing. It reminds me of the other title that’s currently irking me – Danzy Senna’s Colored Television. I hope you enjoy this one.
I’m not hugely tempted, but I will look out for Groundskeeping!
A better choice!
I do like the comp to Waldman’s Help Wanted, but this has mostly reminded me to check out Groundskeeping first!
Well, I’d say definitely Groundskeeping first. I’m always here for taking a swipe at Amazon!
I liked Groundskeeping a lot, but I guess not quite enough to tip me over into requesting this one on NG. It’s comforting that you felt it was less accomplished, though like Elle, I loved the depiction of the warehouse in Help Wanted so that’s an attractive comp.
It could just be second novel syndrome. I’ll read his third but with lowered expectations. A bit of Amazon bashing is always welcome!
I have a copy of both Susan, sounds like Groundskeeping is the better option?
Definitely the best place to start, Cathy.
Fulfillment sounds unfulfilling! Will watch out for his first book to start with.
Ha! I think Groundskeeping is a better bet.
I haven’t read Groundskeeping, but Fulfillment sounds intriguing. Hopefully I’ll enjoy it since I won’t have the same expectations. It releases here next week, and our library has copies on order – Yay
Happy Reading!
Fingers crossed you’ll enjoy it, Anne. Those expectations did get in the way for me. Happy reading to you, too!