I bet Naomi, the main character in A Novel Obsession, has “crazy eyes.”
She has to have crazy eyes. Because, it sure doesn’t take long for her crazy to start coming out.
What’s A Novel Obsession about?
I stumbled across A Novel Obsession when I decided to take a writing workshop taught by author Caitlin Barasch. The story’s premise intrigued me right away: twenty-something Naomi stalks her boyfriend’s ex-girlfriend under the guise of needing fodder for her would-be bestselling novel. However, it soon becomes clear that Naomi’s obsession with befriending the ex is about much more than needing a plotline.
Initially, I was worried A Novel Obsession might be a little like The Hypnotist’s Love Story – another take on mutual exes becoming acquainted, and one of my favorite untraditional love stories. However, Barasch’s contemporary novel about an unusual Brooklyn love triangle is fresh and sharp. Its stark, clean prose beautifully paints the scenes and gives you a truly unique reading experience.
Side Note/Potentially Controversial Viewpoint about Exes
I’ve always believed that most people’s exes would get along if they met one another. I mean, it makes sense that the people you’ve dated all probably have similar tastes, interests, hobbies, etc., since people tend to gravitate toward the same kinds of romantic partners. For example: I’ve dated a lot of men who have a wealth of computer/IT knowledge and enjoy video games, D&D, and Magic: The Gathering. I married one such man.
See my point? Getting them all together would be a public service. It’s an untapped friendship pool for them all, really. (For the record, Mr Tart does not share this sentiment and is not, nor will he ever be friends with my exes.)
Aaaaand, back to A Novel Obsession
A Novel Obsession capitalizes on this idea of mutual exes hitting it off – so much so that, although you’re appalled by what Naomi’s doing to boyfriend Caleb behind his back, you’re really routing for that friendship between Naomi and his ex, Rosemary, to take off.
Well… for the most part. Naomi makes some really dumb choices, especially when it comes to dealing with people. The way she acts toward Caleb and stalks his ex-girlfriend is the very definition of cringey behavior. You just want to grab her by the shoulders and scream, “WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!? Barasch perfectly captures what it feels like to be 24 years old, a little naïve, and a lot of desperate.
Speaking of desperate…
If you’re a writer, you’ll love (or be uncomfortably familiar with) how A Novel Obsession captures the desperation of a novelist. Naomi’s longing to “make it” in the uber-competitive publishing industry is almost feral. As someone who’s been in the query trenches numerous times, I get it. I SEE YOU, NAOMI.
To be clear: I wouldn’t go to the lengths that Naomi does to get a story. But, I kinda understand why she does. When you’re an aspiring author, that drive to succeed bears down on you 24/7. And, when everyone else seems to be achieving the dream that eludes you, you can feel driven to contemplate desperate measures.
If I had to pick apart something in A Novel Obsession, it’s the flashback sections that reveal Naomi’s complicated romantic past, which (trigger warning) give off some My Dark Vanessa vibes. I felt like these passages were dropped a little randomly into the narrative, and reading them pulled me out of the Naomi/Caleb/Rosemary dynamic I was so heavily invested in.
However, these flashbacks are essential for making Naomi a sympathetic character. When you first meet her, you’re like “Oh… she crazy.” Then, you learn about her past, and you’re like, “Oh… oh, dear.” This unsettling insight into Naomi’s character makes her relatable and likeable; it makes you want to keep reading even as you brace for the inevitable, euphemistic car crash.
And, oh, that crash at the end. I really liked how Barasch brought everything to a close. That’s all I’ll say about that.
Should you read A Novel Obsession?
Um, in case it wasn’t clear — YES. You absolutely should read A Novel Obsession. Especially if you like flawed protagonists, uncomfortable situations, and watching worst-case scenarios unfold before your very eyes. This book is a difficult read at times, but it’s one I really enjoyed. And I’m not just saying that because the author taught my writing workshop. 🙂
Be sure to check back in for my book-inspired recipe: Iced Dirty Chai Latte.
