Unlubricated

The first Nersesian I have read for a while, having enjoyed Dog Run, Manhattan Loverboy, etc. previously. As ever, there is a combination of fast-paced action and graphic description (predominantly sex here). Few people capture the frenetic vibe and energy of New York better than Nersesian; how the city sucks you in and spits you out. While the main focus of Unlubricated is to satirise the world of film and theatre and its inherently shallow nature, this novel is Nersesian's tribute to (or acknowledgement of) the profound impact 9/11 had on the city, its unintended consequences and how people grieved in different ways. The poignancy is inescapable, especially since my relationship with the city—even as a non-New Yorker—changed after this event. In terms of the main plot, it is hard not to like the main protagonist, Hannah. Her fate follows a classic narrative arc. Some of the action is undoubtedly implausible, but this does not matter; catharsis and redemption are key. 8/10.

By Arthur Nersesian