Domestic Violets
Aug 25, 2011
Author: Matthew Norman
Publisher: Harper Perennial
Publication Date: August 9, 2011
ISBN: 9780062065117
If this book doesn’t become a hit I’ll be shocked. The entire novel is filled with bitingly humorous sarcasm revolving around real life issues that are totally relatable. I am a total sucker for sarcasm.
In tone, it reminds me of Rock On, an Office Power Ballad by Dan Kennedy, which in turn reminds me of The Office. This is to say that the portion of the book revolving around a corporate office setting is so on point about the shenanigans that play out between the various levels of staff, and said in such a wickedly humorous manner, that you can’t help but nod your head to agree while at the same time continue snickering madly. Tom Violet, protagonist, manages to say things to other employees…and management… that the rest of us only dream about.
The office is but a small portion of this story and what it’s really about. Tom happens to be the son of a famous novelist. A novelist who just won the Pulitzer and lost his 4th or so wife. A man who lives very, very large while Tom lives in a home his father owns, works in a small office space doing copywriting and has a novel secreted away in his drawer. Meanwhile his marriage may or may not be falling apart, that’s still being decided. Tom feels very overshadowed by his father and his fame.
This could be, written in a more somber manner, a simple study of life choices and realizing it’s time to grow up. It could be a book about re-evaluating your circumstances and deciding whether to change or not.
This book IS exactly what I just said, but written in such a lively, sarcastic, witty manner that it remains a very enjoyable read, even with the seriousness of some of the issues.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and look forward to more from Matthew Norman.
