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thebobsphere's review
5.0
I have said many times that Lucy Ellmann’s Ducks, Newburyport is a BIG favourite of mine. I won’t go into a detailed explanation but that 1030 page one sentence narrative of an Ohio housewife on Motherhood, Trump, Gun Culture and baking tips just struck a chord with, not to mention the more conventional lioness subplot which gave this weighty tome more depth.
Needless to say that I was excited to read Lucy Ellmann’s new book; an essay collection called Things are Against us. This is a mixture of previously published pieces, albeit updated and some unreleased works.
Whilst reading the book two thoughts went through me
Lucy Ellmann would make a great rapper lyricist.
A lot of the themes in these essays seem like an extension of the topics that were in Ducks, Newburyport.
Take the title essay, which opens the collection. Stylistically it’s similar to Ducks, Newburyport, with it’s use of repetition and rhythm. Thematically as well as it’s about society’s over reliance on material objects but this is Lucy Ellmann and she cleverly takes the word ‘Things’ and gives it a new context in each sentence. It’s dazzling.
A good number of the essays criticise the patriarchy and Trump ; The Underground Bunker, early highlight Three Strikes and Third Rate Zeroes are such examples.
Some focus on books and movies: A Spell of Patriarchy discusses how Hitchcock’s Spellbound is a feminist film, or how The Woman of the House is about Laura Ingalls Wilders Little House on the Prairie books showcased a type of American way of life but it also doubles up as the amount of problems a female author has to go through. One book related essay is Ah Men which starts off as with the problems of living in a patriarchal state and then delves into crime fiction, which treats women unfairly.
I could easily fill the post about descriptions but there are essays about bras , morning routine videos and the hidden sexuality of pistons and pumps. needless to say that all are brilliant. I will say that the lonest piece here, called The Lost Art of Staying Put is a masterpiece about travelling and how the human need to experience things has brought a lot of the problems such as pandemics, environmental destruction and famine, which are still happening today.
What makes these essays stand out is Lucy Ellmann’s impish sense of humour. All these essays are genuinely funny, be it a witty one liner, an unexpected pun or the highly entertaining footnotes in Three Strikes, trust me you do not want to skim read them. I have always said that in order to get one’s point across one needs hit the funny bone in some way, be it a cartoon or caustic wit. Lucy Ellmann goes for the latter and she nails it every time.
A great essay collection will make the reader aware of what is happening. These essays definitely opened my eyes to the struggles. Even as I am typing this review on a Sunday night, the streets will be filled with white men creating aggro because their favourite team won or lost (yes I know football is not gendered but I doubt that female fans will behave in a destructive manner) while I will be reading the news about these ‘celebrations’ and seeing Lucy’s words about the patriarchy becoming a reality.
As a final note do check out the N.B. at the back of the book. Only Lucy Ellmann could think of a parting shot (maybe not the best term) like that! furthermore it could happen!
Needless to say that I was excited to read Lucy Ellmann’s new book; an essay collection called Things are Against us. This is a mixture of previously published pieces, albeit updated and some unreleased works.
Whilst reading the book two thoughts went through me
Lucy Ellmann would make a great rapper lyricist.
A lot of the themes in these essays seem like an extension of the topics that were in Ducks, Newburyport.
Take the title essay, which opens the collection. Stylistically it’s similar to Ducks, Newburyport, with it’s use of repetition and rhythm. Thematically as well as it’s about society’s over reliance on material objects but this is Lucy Ellmann and she cleverly takes the word ‘Things’ and gives it a new context in each sentence. It’s dazzling.
A good number of the essays criticise the patriarchy and Trump ; The Underground Bunker, early highlight Three Strikes and Third Rate Zeroes are such examples.
Some focus on books and movies: A Spell of Patriarchy discusses how Hitchcock’s Spellbound is a feminist film, or how The Woman of the House is about Laura Ingalls Wilders Little House on the Prairie books showcased a type of American way of life but it also doubles up as the amount of problems a female author has to go through. One book related essay is Ah Men which starts off as with the problems of living in a patriarchal state and then delves into crime fiction, which treats women unfairly.
I could easily fill the post about descriptions but there are essays about bras , morning routine videos and the hidden sexuality of pistons and pumps. needless to say that all are brilliant. I will say that the lonest piece here, called The Lost Art of Staying Put is a masterpiece about travelling and how the human need to experience things has brought a lot of the problems such as pandemics, environmental destruction and famine, which are still happening today.
What makes these essays stand out is Lucy Ellmann’s impish sense of humour. All these essays are genuinely funny, be it a witty one liner, an unexpected pun or the highly entertaining footnotes in Three Strikes, trust me you do not want to skim read them. I have always said that in order to get one’s point across one needs hit the funny bone in some way, be it a cartoon or caustic wit. Lucy Ellmann goes for the latter and she nails it every time.
A great essay collection will make the reader aware of what is happening. These essays definitely opened my eyes to the struggles. Even as I am typing this review on a Sunday night, the streets will be filled with white men creating aggro because their favourite team won or lost (yes I know football is not gendered but I doubt that female fans will behave in a destructive manner) while I will be reading the news about these ‘celebrations’ and seeing Lucy’s words about the patriarchy becoming a reality.
As a final note do check out the N.B. at the back of the book. Only Lucy Ellmann could think of a parting shot (maybe not the best term) like that! furthermore it could happen!
bianca89279's review
5.0
My first encounter with Ellmann's brilliance was through Ducks, Newburyport, which enthralled me. Then I read the more accessible Mimi, which I also loved.
Needless to say, I was excited to read Ellmann's essays.
Even though these are essays, some of them feature themes that also appeared in the two novels mentioned above: the patriarchy and the many evils men bestow(ed) upon the planet, women, children; the proliferation of guns and nuclear power; the environmental destruction, plus a few other more mundane observations that cracked me up and made me think, "oh, no, you didn't": morning routines that are popular on YouTube and I'm guessing Insta and TikTok, objects, electricity. She makes some very good points on travelling and how much it ruins everything, including the culture, the environment - undeniable facts. I firmly agree with her, especially when it comes to business, academic junkets. Those travels are, for the most part, unnecessary, especially when we have such modern ways of communicating. There's also that perplexing aspect of eco travelling - an oxymoron if ever there was one. Her picking on American travellers had me in stitches. Of course, she generalises and exaggerates, but she also makes very good points.
She's audacious and gutsy, Ms Ellmann, and I love her for that. She even dared to pick on genre literature, particularly on crime novels. As I was saying, she's fearless, picking on the most published/most read genre. It cracked me up.
The essays are varied in both themes and style. As a collection, they just showcase her masterful writing skills and splendid intellect.
I don't know about others, but I feel a particular kinship with Lucy Ellmann, I feel we could be friends, although I'm nowhere near as intellectual or skilled as she is, I do love a good rant about the patriarchy, politics, culture etc.
Lucy Ellman for no 1 leader of the planet Earth
Essays:
Things Are Against Us
The Underground Bunker
Pygmalion in the White House
Trapped Family Fingers
The Woman in the House
Consider Pistons and Pumps
Three Strikes
A Spell of Patriarchy
Sing the Unelectric
The Lost Art of Staying Put
Bras—a Life Sentence
Morning Routine Girls
Ah, Men
Take The Money Honey
I've received this ARC via Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this collection.
Needless to say, I was excited to read Ellmann's essays.
Even though these are essays, some of them feature themes that also appeared in the two novels mentioned above: the patriarchy and the many evils men bestow(ed) upon the planet, women, children; the proliferation of guns and nuclear power; the environmental destruction, plus a few other more mundane observations that cracked me up and made me think, "oh, no, you didn't": morning routines that are popular on YouTube and I'm guessing Insta and TikTok, objects, electricity. She makes some very good points on travelling and how much it ruins everything, including the culture, the environment - undeniable facts. I firmly agree with her, especially when it comes to business, academic junkets. Those travels are, for the most part, unnecessary, especially when we have such modern ways of communicating. There's also that perplexing aspect of eco travelling - an oxymoron if ever there was one. Her picking on American travellers had me in stitches. Of course, she generalises and exaggerates, but she also makes very good points.
She's audacious and gutsy, Ms Ellmann, and I love her for that. She even dared to pick on genre literature, particularly on crime novels. As I was saying, she's fearless, picking on the most published/most read genre. It cracked me up.
The essays are varied in both themes and style. As a collection, they just showcase her masterful writing skills and splendid intellect.
I don't know about others, but I feel a particular kinship with Lucy Ellmann, I feel we could be friends, although I'm nowhere near as intellectual or skilled as she is, I do love a good rant about the patriarchy, politics, culture etc.
Lucy Ellman for no 1 leader of the planet Earth
Essays:
Things Are Against Us
The Underground Bunker
Pygmalion in the White House
Trapped Family Fingers
The Woman in the House
Consider Pistons and Pumps
Three Strikes
A Spell of Patriarchy
Sing the Unelectric
The Lost Art of Staying Put
Bras—a Life Sentence
Morning Routine Girls
Ah, Men
Take The Money Honey
I've received this ARC via Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this collection.
katiesendlesstbr's review against another edition
5.0
THINGS that a lot of people are annoyed by: Complaining, exaggeration, repetition.
THINGS in this book Lucy Ellmann could be accused of: Complaining, exaggeration, repetition.
THINGS that I love: Complaining, exaggeration, repetition.
So yeah, I loved it. Lucy Ellmann has quite the way with words, and is mad as hell. But, as someone who is also mad as hell about the state of the world, it was cathartic to read her opinions, even if some felt uncomfortable because of their radical stances. I think the biggest downside would be that there are a few essays that are all about essentially the same thing, but when you realize that they were not written for this collection but rather gathered from past publications, you can forgive it and enjoy the new wordplays that she puts into the essays to make them stand apart from each other and have a newfound wish for her to write a whole new collection of essays. I can understand why a lot of this may turn off other readers, and it may be hard to recommend, but it was perfect for me.
THINGS in this book Lucy Ellmann could be accused of: Complaining, exaggeration, repetition.
THINGS that I love: Complaining, exaggeration, repetition.
So yeah, I loved it. Lucy Ellmann has quite the way with words, and is mad as hell. But, as someone who is also mad as hell about the state of the world, it was cathartic to read her opinions, even if some felt uncomfortable because of their radical stances. I think the biggest downside would be that there are a few essays that are all about essentially the same thing, but when you realize that they were not written for this collection but rather gathered from past publications, you can forgive it and enjoy the new wordplays that she puts into the essays to make them stand apart from each other and have a newfound wish for her to write a whole new collection of essays. I can understand why a lot of this may turn off other readers, and it may be hard to recommend, but it was perfect for me.
timbo001's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
ameliasbooks's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
These are essays written by a very angry woman. And though I am not agreeing with all of what have been said, because sometimes Ellmann gets carried away a bit too far and because some things are a bit far stretched, I encourage her anger. Because most of the time women are denied expressing anger and I most certainly won't do that. These essays are very often polemic, so if that's not something you are enjoying, this collection is not for you.
Unfortunately I was a bit disappointed by some ableism in one of the essays.
Apart from that I am here for being angry about a lot of the shit that is going on in this world.
But Galley Beggar Press could we have a word about the binding of this book, please? It's a crime against every reader out there. I usually have no problems to crack the spines, if it enhances my reading experience, but I didn't get the slightest chance to do so. And holding this book was adding a new dimension to discomfort. Lucy Ellmann, I need you to have a rant about that.
Unfortunately I was a bit disappointed by some ableism in one of the essays.
Apart from that I am here for being angry about a lot of the shit that is going on in this world.
But Galley Beggar Press could we have a word about the binding of this book, please? It's a crime against every reader out there. I usually have no problems to crack the spines, if it enhances my reading experience, but I didn't get the slightest chance to do so. And holding this book was adding a new dimension to discomfort. Lucy Ellmann, I need you to have a rant about that.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming and Ableism
textpublishing's review against another edition
The following reviews have been shared by Text Publishing - publisher of Things Are Against Us
‘As full of wit as wisdom…Urgent, angry and often very funny.’
Bookmunch
‘[Ellmann’s] ire is matched only by an irrepressible comic impulse…She’s out to foment revolution.’
Observer
‘Funny, sarcastic, playful and self-deprecating, but also provocative and fantastically experimental with language and structure. Ellmann is a master of lists, a seemingly prosaic procession of words builds to a rhythm and poetically creates original insight into how humans are ruining the planet and all of humanity.’
Readings
'[A] wickedly funny, rousing, depressing, caps-driven work of linguistic gymnastics hellbent on upbraiding the deleterious forces of the prevailing misogyny.'
Guardian
'[Lucy Ellmann's] blazing diatribes and comedic energy fuel the purposeful lamentation of these hilarious and potent essays.'
Saturday Paper
'Fiery, provocative…For all the wit and wordplay, Ellmann has important points to make, not least about the way that our flailing world is upheld.'
Independent
'A series of extremely entertaining rants.'
BBC Front Row
'[Ellmann] is just so wise and cynical and angry…she’s not a polite writer; she doesn’t hold back.’
RNZ Nine to Noon
'Something of a literary agent provocateur, lobbing essays like hand grenades into the public domain, [Lucy Ellmann] covers a wide range of topics in this collection...Whether satiric, wacky, or angry, Booker-shortlisted novelist Ellmann is interesting and fearless.’
SMH/Age
‘As full of wit as wisdom…Urgent, angry and often very funny.’
Bookmunch
‘[Ellmann’s] ire is matched only by an irrepressible comic impulse…She’s out to foment revolution.’
Observer
‘Funny, sarcastic, playful and self-deprecating, but also provocative and fantastically experimental with language and structure. Ellmann is a master of lists, a seemingly prosaic procession of words builds to a rhythm and poetically creates original insight into how humans are ruining the planet and all of humanity.’
Readings
'[A] wickedly funny, rousing, depressing, caps-driven work of linguistic gymnastics hellbent on upbraiding the deleterious forces of the prevailing misogyny.'
Guardian
'[Lucy Ellmann's] blazing diatribes and comedic energy fuel the purposeful lamentation of these hilarious and potent essays.'
Saturday Paper
'Fiery, provocative…For all the wit and wordplay, Ellmann has important points to make, not least about the way that our flailing world is upheld.'
Independent
'A series of extremely entertaining rants.'
BBC Front Row
'[Ellmann] is just so wise and cynical and angry…she’s not a polite writer; she doesn’t hold back.’
RNZ Nine to Noon
'Something of a literary agent provocateur, lobbing essays like hand grenades into the public domain, [Lucy Ellmann] covers a wide range of topics in this collection...Whether satiric, wacky, or angry, Booker-shortlisted novelist Ellmann is interesting and fearless.’
SMH/Age
wchereads's review against another edition
This started out very interesting (first essay is arguably my favourite and the most relatable), then quickly became very dull and frustrating. While I do think the author still had a point here and there, ultimately I find her feminist views to be very trans-exclusive with a fixation on genitals and organs.
Now, I absolutely think there are spaces AND frankly an urgent need for more education and awareness about afab/traditionally considered female anatomy. I just think those sorts of education and criticisms of patriarchy and the harms of toxic masculinity can and should exist without being exclusive/intolerant.
Now, I absolutely think there are spaces AND frankly an urgent need for more education and awareness about afab/traditionally considered female anatomy. I just think those sorts of education and criticisms of patriarchy and the harms of toxic masculinity can and should exist without being exclusive/intolerant.
bartvanovermeire's review
3.0
THINGS disappoint us, as does the title essay from this collection. It had the same hypnotising cadence as 'Ducks, Newburyport', but for me lacked the humorous tone. And why blaming things first and foremost and not humans? And putting the Large Hadron Collider in the list together with fascism, poverty, ... on the minus side of thousands of years of male rule? While the Chrysler Building is on the plus side? 'What a fucking liberty!' as Catherine Tate's Nan would say.
The next two essays, 'The Underground Bunker' and 'Trapped Family Fingers', were underwhelming as well, but luckily Ellmann was back at her best in 'Three Strikes'.
Sadly, the rest of the collection is quite mixed and, while I agreed with most that she wrote, I think that's also why I didn't like it that much: it reminded me too much of myself at times. To be clear, though: Ellmann is more articulate and a lot funnier, especially in 'The Lost Art of Staying Put' she's on a (sedentary) roll.
And finally: I've now really read enough about Laura Ingalls Wilder.
So, let's not complain too much, there were some very good complaints in this collection after all.
The next two essays, 'The Underground Bunker' and 'Trapped Family Fingers', were underwhelming as well, but luckily Ellmann was back at her best in 'Three Strikes'.
Sadly, the rest of the collection is quite mixed and, while I agreed with most that she wrote, I think that's also why I didn't like it that much: it reminded me too much of myself at times. To be clear, though: Ellmann is more articulate and a lot funnier, especially in 'The Lost Art of Staying Put' she's on a (sedentary) roll.
And finally: I've now really read enough about Laura Ingalls Wilder.
So, let's not complain too much, there were some very good complaints in this collection after all.