Book Review: Bed

“I saw it on her face that day, a look like her heart would float upwards through her throat, topple from her mouth, clip her front teeth on the way out and drift into the sky. It wasn’t love, nor lust, she was too young. But it was something, a seed of a seed that would become something one day.” — David Whitehouse, Bed

I picked up Bed at Waterstone’s as I was perusing with Katherine. I had heard absolutely nothing about this book before I picked it up, I didn’t know the premise and I didn’t know the author. It turned out he was a debut novelist, which perked my interest. I like reading the first book of an author just emerging, just like I enjoy buying first albums by bands or artists who are beginning to find their feet. Anyway, after reading a couple of pages and skimming the blurb very quickly (I loathe blurbs), I decided to buy it. 

I found the book quite interesting. It’s well-written, and I think you can even find Whitehouse’s unique overtures in certain parts of the novel, which I always love. The book poses fascinating questions (through the issues raised) of ethics and family dynamic, and how true the German proverb, blood is thicker than water. To what extent is a family like an elastic band? Do you always fall back, no matter how far you ago?

I think those thoughts and musings, which the novel produced, were often the most interesting part for me. Another bit I quite liked was when the narrator writes, “They both laughed, reminding me that I could talk when I was in the mood. My obstacles were often my own.” It’s amazing how true that often is, and it’s definitely an invitation to step outside of one’s comfort every once in a while.

I didn’t have much patience for Malcolm even before his decision, and I definitely didn’t respect him. I’m not sure anyone in the book, apart from Lou (to a point) excites much regard or affection. Nevertheless, it is an interesting debut novel, while far from perfect; and apropos of the type of novel it is, it makes the reader think. I would certainly pick up a future book by Whitehouse, but I would also be looking for him to improve.