Maria Semple's 'Go Gentle' Review: A Joyfully Clever New York Romcom
What would Marcus Aurelius have thought about the Kardashians? Could Seneca find humor in mindfulness apps? These are questions that might never have crossed your mind until delving into Maria Semple's latest novel, Go Gentle. In this exuberant and ingenious work, Semple, acclaimed for Where’d You Go, Bernadette?, introduces readers to Adora Hazzard, a Stoic philosopher and divorcee navigating midlife on New York City's Upper West Side.
Adora leads a contented life, tutoring the twin sons of a wealthy family in philosophy and striving to live by Stoic virtues, avoiding destabilizing "externals." However, her serene existence is upended by the arrival of a handsome stranger, prompting her to exclaim, "Curse these alluring men who throw us off our game!"—a playful paraphrase of Marcus Aurelius. This sets the stage for a narrative that defies easy categorization.
A Genre-Defying Narrative
Go Gentle is a tricky book to pin down. Is it a knockabout comedy about the collective power of midlife women? Not quite, though it hints in that direction early on. An art heist caper? Sort of. A thriller? A bit. A romcom? Perhaps. A cry of female rage? Briefly. Ultimately, it stands as a paean to the virtuous joys of Stoic philosophy, with Semple opting not to agonize over genre, offering readers several books for the price of one.
Stoicism, traditionally not seen as sexy, is revitalized by Semple's fresh and exciting approach. Adora's enthusiasm is contagious, as she reflects on conversations: "I was all over the place. Which is what happens when I get started on Stoicism. Fuelled by enthusiasm, I talk faster and faster, bouncing between subjects, repeating myself. It’s like running downhill... All I can do is keep going and pray I’ve got a shred of dignity left when I reach the bottom." Readers might find themselves murmuring Marcus Aurelius quotes, like "The cucumber is bitter. Throw it away," long after finishing the book.
Charm and Chaos
Semple writes with immense charm, infusing the novel with witty lines. For instance, Adora describes an incidental character with startling specificity: "His face looked weirdly polished, like a Polly Pocket doll that had been licked." The madcap energy sustains the narrative for long stretches, with characters and plotlines coming and go in a buoyant, fun manner.
However, this merry chaos sometimes tips into disjointedness. A clunky section charts the deterioration of Adora's marriage through time-stamped nuggets tied to recent political events, such as "Spring of 2016: I got swept up in Bernie mania" and "September of 2018: #MeToo erupts." While thematically pertinent, these elements lack narrative space to feel fully relevant, and Adora's ex-husband Hal remains underdeveloped, limiting emotional investment in their marriage.
Highlights and High-Wire Acts
In contrast, Semple's energy and economy shine in the fast, harrowing account of Adora's ill-fated career as a comedy writer. This compelling section serves as a potential centerpiece of the novel, especially as Adora's Stoic reframing adds depth. The main plot, at times resembling a shaggy dog story, is ingeniously wrapped up by the end.
For some, the whole may not cohere perfectly, but as Marcus Aurelius noted, everything is perspective, not truth. Finishing Go Gentle leaves one feeling both cleverer and sillier—a delightful outcome. Published on 16 April by W&N (£20), this novel is a zany high-wire act that showcases Semple's unique voice and philosophical flair.
