THE NEED by Helen Philips
I took the time to read Helen Philips The Need. But, it was not time I found, rather it was time I was compelled to use despite other tasks demanding my attention. Yes, I did break away for vital tasks, but the less important sat aside while I read. Ms. Philips writing was compelling and kept me interested most of the way through the novel. What I found interesting was how she bordered up against the horrific without actually venturing into it, and that created a tension and an unease that gave me pause, yet moved me forward as well.
There were aspects of the book that I found a bit murky in meaning, or somewhat tedious (dripping milk), yet, right from the beginning I knew that something unusual, otherworldly, and genre-bending was going to occur. I am quite happy with writing that does not complete, that does not clarify, or that does not confine. The Need was happy to do all of that (or perhaps better stated, did not feel compelled to clarify, complete, or confine).
Curiously I decided to read reviews on Goodreads to see how others saw this book. It was apparent that for those who did not like it, it seemed that they wanted those three Cs above. They wanted to know things that Ms. Philips was unwilling to share. They wanted completion and clarity, but, received confusion instead. As a long time bookseller I understand the need to categorize for the benefit of shelving appropriately and for guiding customers to books they will find worth reading. But, The Need is a book that is less certain of its placement on the shelf, yet, feels no compunction to find it.
Ms. Philips makes a certain “motherhood” vital and real, and the journey of understanding of what motherhood requires of her protagonist, despite the obstacles both real and unreal, both compelling and worthwhile.