Private property of Lionel Shriver

Private property
de Lionel Shriver.

Review of the book “Private Property” by Lionel Shriver

“Private Property” is a collection of short stories written by Lionel Shriver, an author recognized for her critical, incisive and sarcasm-filled style. In this work, Shriver applies his shrewd, ironic, and fierce gaze to the short form, presenting his first and essential collection of short stories. The central theme of the stories revolves around the concept of property, whether real estate, sentimental or objects, and how this affects human relationships.

The collection includes ten short stories and two short novels. The characters that populate these stories live tense situations caused by the obsession with property, and as is usual for the author, everyday situations can overflow at any moment, leading the seemingly most sane people to lose their temper to unsuspected limits.

Some of the featured stories include “Foreclosed Property Reclamation,” in which the new tenant of a house is harassed by her former owner, and “Vermin,” where an artist couple discovers that a family of raccoons has taken up residence. in a hole in his building. In “From Paradise to Perdition,” an executive enjoys a luxurious life on a remote island after committing a multimillion-dollar embezzlement.

Shriver carries out a critical analysis of society through these stories, inviting the reader to reflect on issues related to property and rootedness. His sharp, verbose style, full of sarcasm and black humor, allows these topics to be explored in a unique and entertaining way.

In summary, “Private Property” is a provocative and dazzling collection of stories that offers a sharp and critical look at contemporary society through the concept of property. Lionel Shriver’s ability to address controversial topics and build complex, realistic characters makes this work a fascinating and recommended read.

What does private property really mean in the 21st century? This is the question Lionel Shriver poses in his new book, “Private Property,” a collection of stories that explore the various forms of possession and belonging that define our lives.

Shriver, known for her novel “We Need to Talk About Kevin,” delves into the realm of short fiction with a sharp and provocative look at human relationships, consumption, art and politics. Through her characters, she shows us how the concept of private property can be both a source of freedom and oppression, of identity and alienation, of love and hate.

In one of the stories, a couple faces the decision of whether or not to sell their house, which has witnessed their family history for generations. In another, a woman becomes obsessed with the idea of ​​recovering a ring that her ex-husband gave her and that now belongs to another. In yet another, a failed writer becomes involved in a plot of espionage and theft of manuscripts. And in the most controversial, a young American travels to Kenya to participate in a land redistribution project that questions the boundaries between charity and colonialism.

“Private Property” is a book that invites us to reflect on the value and meaning of what we own and what we desire, and on the social and personal consequences of our choices. With an agile style and incisive prose, Lionel Shriver once again demonstrates his talent for creating stories that question and challenge us.