Joanna Kavenna's latest novel, Seven (Or, How to Play a Game Without Rules), is a mind-bending journey that defies easy categorization. This slim yet densely packed book is an absurdist tale that seamlessly weaves together philosophy, satire, and travelogue elements, all while questioning the very notion of reality itself.
The story follows its enigmatic protagonist as they navigate a complex web of intellectual pursuits, eccentric characters, and fantastical events. At its core, Seven is a meditation on the human desire to categorize and define the world around us – a theme that Kavenna explores through her protagonist's research into "box philosophy," which examines the ways we organize reality into groups and sets.
As the narrative unfolds, our protagonist embarks on a peripatetic journey across Europe, encountering an array of thinkers, artists, and philosophers who embody humanity's innate need to impose order on chaos. Along the way, they engage with the likes of Johan Huizinga, Johan, a Dutch cultural historian whose theories suggest that human lives are defined by our capacity for play and "positive ludicrousness" – an idea that Kavenna uses to subvert our expectations and challenge the reader's perceptions.
One of the most striking aspects of Seven is its unique blend of intellectual rigor and humor. Kavenna's characters are often outrageous, and her jokes consistently land with precision, making this novel a joyous ride despite its abstruse subject matter.
However, Seven is not for the faint of heart. The book's elliptical style may leave some readers scratching their heads, as it frequently defies easy interpretation. Kavenna's use of symbolism, metaphor, and philosophical allusions can be overwhelming, making this novel a challenging read that requires patience and dedication from its audience.
Ultimately, Seven is an invitation to revel in the formless delights of a universe in flux – where galaxies spiral in on themselves, and everything exists in a state of constant transformation. If you're willing to immerse yourself in Kavenna's unique vision, this novel will reward you with a rich tapestry of ideas, humor, and wonder.
In short, Seven is not just another philosophical treatise or intellectual curiosity; it's an experience that invites readers to join the narrator on their wild journey through the labyrinthine corridors of thought. So, buckle up, because this book is about to take you on one heck of a ride – with no clear destination in sight, but with plenty of twists and turns along the way.
The story follows its enigmatic protagonist as they navigate a complex web of intellectual pursuits, eccentric characters, and fantastical events. At its core, Seven is a meditation on the human desire to categorize and define the world around us – a theme that Kavenna explores through her protagonist's research into "box philosophy," which examines the ways we organize reality into groups and sets.
As the narrative unfolds, our protagonist embarks on a peripatetic journey across Europe, encountering an array of thinkers, artists, and philosophers who embody humanity's innate need to impose order on chaos. Along the way, they engage with the likes of Johan Huizinga, Johan, a Dutch cultural historian whose theories suggest that human lives are defined by our capacity for play and "positive ludicrousness" – an idea that Kavenna uses to subvert our expectations and challenge the reader's perceptions.
One of the most striking aspects of Seven is its unique blend of intellectual rigor and humor. Kavenna's characters are often outrageous, and her jokes consistently land with precision, making this novel a joyous ride despite its abstruse subject matter.
However, Seven is not for the faint of heart. The book's elliptical style may leave some readers scratching their heads, as it frequently defies easy interpretation. Kavenna's use of symbolism, metaphor, and philosophical allusions can be overwhelming, making this novel a challenging read that requires patience and dedication from its audience.
Ultimately, Seven is an invitation to revel in the formless delights of a universe in flux – where galaxies spiral in on themselves, and everything exists in a state of constant transformation. If you're willing to immerse yourself in Kavenna's unique vision, this novel will reward you with a rich tapestry of ideas, humor, and wonder.
In short, Seven is not just another philosophical treatise or intellectual curiosity; it's an experience that invites readers to join the narrator on their wild journey through the labyrinthine corridors of thought. So, buckle up, because this book is about to take you on one heck of a ride – with no clear destination in sight, but with plenty of twists and turns along the way.
i'm still trying to wrap my head around the plot which is basically about a protagonist who goes on this crazy journey through europe searching for answers and more questions 
meanwhile kavenna throws in these super deep philosophical concepts like box philosophy and positive ludicrousness that are both fascinating and overwhelming at the same time 
but honestly the whole experience is so worth it - kavenna's writing is like a rollercoaster ride of emotions and ideas 
if you're up for the challenge and want to explore some mind-bending ideas then seven is def the book for you! 
if you're not careful, you'll be lost in the labyrinthine corridors of thought forever 
and I'm still trying to wrap my head around it 
. It's like trying to explain complex concepts to a teenager - you want to make sure they understand, but sometimes you need to let them figure it out for themselves 
.
. I loved how the protagonist's research into "box philosophy" made me think about my own kids' love of categorizing things - do they really see the world in neat little boxes or groups? 
. As a parent, you want your kids to be curious, open-minded, and willing to question everything - and that's exactly what Seven does 
. Some readers might find it too dense or overwhelming (I won't lie, I had to re-read some parts a few times 
). But if you're up for the challenge, get ready for a wild ride 
. Can't we just have some raw opinions for once? I mean, come on, Seven is a mind-bender, but does it need to be wrapped in all that flowery language? 
It's like the author is trying to impress us with their intellect instead of just telling us what they think.
.
Just my two cents... 
. I mean, come on, it's just a bunch of confusing stuff strung together with some okay jokes thrown in for good measure 
. I think the biggest problem is people are so desperate to look smart that they're willing to pretend like they understand something they clearly don't 
. Give me a break, folks