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It Chooses You: A Literary Journey into the Uncanny

Pat Mitchell

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Published in It Chooses You Miranda July

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Book Cover Of 'It Chooses You' By Miranda July, Featuring A Young Woman With Long, Flowing Hair Gazing Out Of A Window. It Chooses You Miranda July

Stepping into the Surreal Landscape

In the opening pages of Miranda July's "It Chooses You," readers are thrust into an enigmatic world where the ordinary meets the extraordinary, where dreams and reality blur. At its heart, this novel is a meditation on love, loss, connection, and the elusive nature of identity.

July's writing is characterized by its lyrical prose and unexpected juxtaposition of images. She creates a world that is at once familiar and utterly strange, where everyday objects and experiences take on new and unsettling meanings. In "It Chooses You," a head of broccoli becomes a symbol of longing, while a dog's collar holds secrets that could unravel the fabric of a relationship.

It Chooses You

by Miranda July

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7679 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	218 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

Characters in Flux

The novel follows the intertwining stories of four characters: Melissa, an insecure art school dropout; Jack, a divorced father searching for meaning; Charlotte, a lonely and eccentric middle-aged woman; and Sam, a young transgender man struggling with his identity. As these characters navigate the complexities of modern life, they grapple with questions of belonging, purpose, and the search for love.

Melissa, with her unrequited crush on Jack, embodies the ache of unfulfilled desire. Jack, lost and untethered after his divorce, represents the existential angst that comes with the realization of one's own mortality. Charlotte, with her bizarre obsessions and her longing for a connection that eludes her, is both heartbreaking and darkly humorous. And Sam, torn between the desire to fit in and the courage to be himself, represents the challenges and triumphs of navigating a world that often does not understand him.

Love, Loss, and the Ties That Bind

"It Chooses You" explores the complexities of human relationships with raw honesty and sensitivity. July delves into the depths of loneliness, the fragility of love, and the enduring bonds that can both unite and divide us.

Melissa and Jack's relationship, while flawed and unfulfilled, is a poignant testament to the power of unrequited love. Charlotte's obsession with a mysterious stranger highlights the desperation of those who have been left behind. And Sam's struggle to find acceptance and love is a reminder of the importance of embracing one's own uniqueness.

Coming-of-Age in a Fragmented World

At its core, "It Chooses You" is a coming-of-age story that captures the anxieties, fears, and hopes of a generation searching for meaning in an increasingly fragmented world. July's characters are adrift, grappling with their own doubts and insecurities as they navigate the complexities of modern life.

Through their struggles and triumphs, they learn to embrace their own individuality and to find solace in the unexpected connections that shape their lives. "It Chooses You" is a reminder that even in the midst of uncertainty and heartbreak, there is always hope for transformation and growth.

: A Literary Masterpiece of the Uncanny

Miranda July's "It Chooses You" is a literary masterpiece that transcends genre. It is a surreal, darkly humorous, and deeply moving novel that explores the complexities of human experience. With its unforgettable characters, lyrical prose, and uncanny blend of the ordinary and the extraordinary, "It Chooses You" is a must-read for anyone seeking a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant work of art.

In the words of Jhumpa Lahiri, "This novel is a tour de force, a testament to the power of imagination and the transformative potential of art. 'It Chooses You' is a book that will stay with you long after you have finished it, leaving you with a profound sense of wonder and a deeper understanding of the human condition."

It Chooses You

by Miranda July

4.6 out of 5