David Sedaris's latest essay collection, The Land and Its People, showcases the author's signature blend of crankiness and charm, though not every piece lands with equal force. The volume, which includes 28 short essays previously published in venues like the New Yorker, draws on Sedaris's experiences with his husband Hugh, his siblings, friends, and his constant touring schedule.
A Mixed Bag of Anecdotes
Sedaris, who has sold over 16 million books, mines his everyday life for material, from airport encounters to interactions with readers. In the essay 'Little America,' he gripes about people putting their feet on furniture, a complaint that exemplifies his curmudgeonly persona. However, some readers may find these anecdotes too thin, as Sedaris occasionally leans into a 'grumpy-old-man' trope with jokes about political correctness that feel beneath his talent.
Despite these missteps, the collection contains moments of genuine humor. In 'The Hem of His Garment,' Sedaris praises non-showbiz people who dazzle, citing the late Texas governor Ann Richards as an example—a choice so random and apt it elicits laughter. Another highlight is his description of a 'No Kings' protest against Trump, where he observes the protestors' lack of focus, comparing them aesthetically to Tea Party kooks.
Strongest Sections Focus on Family
The most powerful essays center on Sedaris's family, particularly his mother. In 'Cool Mom,' a memory triggered by a woman at Denver airport wearing a 'cool mom' T-shirt leads to a cascade of reflections. Sedaris writes, 'Whatever our mother was to us, it’s too complex and momentous to ever fit onto a sweatshirt. A person would need a whole mountain, and then some.' This piece recalls earlier works like 'Ashes' from Naked, where he poignantly described his mother's death.
Sedaris also excels in portraying close relationships. In a piece about his oldest friend Dawn, he notes she 'dresses like a Swiss person' and 'smells like a cardboard box,' a description that provokes laughter. Another essay deals with the death of a childhood friend, Dan Thompson, whom he hadn't seen in decades, writing, 'I am 67. This is my life, but different now, diminished, because Dan Thompson, who was there at the start of it and who made it so very worthwhile, has died.'
Everyday Encounters and Poignancy
The essay 'A Long Way Home' recounts Sedaris and Hugh giving a stranger named Susan Du a lift from Maine to New York after their flight is cancelled. The account of the seven-hour drive is unaccountably moving, ending with them waiting 'with the engine running until she was safely through her building’s front door and well on her way to the elevator.' This moment captures the strange poignancy of a glancing encounter.
Overall, while some essays feel slight or rely on shtick, Sedaris's best work here proves he can still write with shrewdness and power, particularly about family. The Land and Its People is published by Abacus at £20.
