Screams
Shrieks of Horror and Yelps of Pleasure from Modern Life
By: Ysenda Maxtone Graham
A gently humorous take on the modern world - from the pitfalls of knicker-envy to the weaponising of email sign-offs Screams is Ysenda Maxtone Graham's idiosyncratic and gently funny take on the modern world. She pinpoints all those small things that irritate, but which have a disproportionate effect on our wellbeing (for example, agonising waits for HMRC while stuck in a loop playing the Four Seasons; deep-seated recycling fears; friends that gaslight you with too many xxxs) and also takes pleasure in the small victories that bring surprising joy (lunch from leftovers and finding a miraculous parking space against all odds).
AI Overview
"Screams" by Ysenda Maxtone Graham is a humorous and satirical book that explores various aspects of modern life. Here is a comprehensive overview of the book:
Key Themes
- Modern World Critique: The book offers a humorous take on contemporary issues, ranging from everyday frustrations to societal quirks.
- Humor and Satire: It uses humor to critique modern society, tackling topics like "knicker-envy" and the "weaponising of email sign-offs."
- Feminist Undertones: The book touches on themes related to women's experiences, such as body image issues and social pressures.
Plot Summary
The book is structured as a collection of vignettes and anecdotes that capture the author's reactions to various aspects of modern life. It is not a linear narrative but rather a series of observations and reflections on the things that make the author want to scream, whether in frustration, fury, or occasionally, joy. The book covers a wide range of topics, from mundane daily experiences to broader societal issues.
Critical Reception
- Positive Reviews: Critics have praised the book for its sharp wit and insightful commentary on modern society. The TLS review describes it as a "catalogue of all the things that make her want to scream – with frustration, fury and, less frequently, joy – during the course of a calendar year" .
- Humor and Style: Reviews from Waterstones, Booktopia, and Blackwell's highlight the book's gentle humor and its ability to make readers laugh while also critiquing the modern world .
Overall, "Screams" by Ysenda Maxtone Graham is a witty and engaging book that uses humor to comment on the quirks and frustrations of modern life. Its blend of satire and personal anecdotes makes it a compelling read for those interested in contemporary social commentary.