Typically, my columns focus on a listed roundup of books, but this story is so unique that I knew it deserved its own shoutout (and 600 words of its own). A drumroll, please, for the book that made me want to do this entire column in the first place…
The one-of-a-kind novel “S/Ship of Theseus” is conceptually brilliant. To put it plainly, it is essentially a book within a book. Upon opening the front cover, the novel is disguised as a checked-out library book. While the tale of the Ship of Theseus is told in a classic story format, the stars of the show are the annotations in the margins. Within the book lies a multilayered, genre-defying experience masterfully crafted by J.J. Abrams and Doug Dorst. The book is a puzzle, a romance, a philosophical exploration and a literary experiment all at once.
At first glance, this dust-jacket core story follows a man with no memory, the sailor S, who mysteriously finds himself on a crew of silent, speculative strangers. As someone who had frequent nightmares from “My Little Pony” until an alarming age and still refuses to go downstairs alone at night, mystery has never been my genre. However, if perhaps I accidentally picked up “Ship of Theseus,” I am confident that the central story by itself is compelling enough for me to have joined the dark side (loosely defined mystery books that would scare any sane person).
Full disclosure: This is a difficult read. It is a chaotic storyline and concept, so much of the interpretation is up to the reader. However, it’s such an adventure that I believe it is worth the confusion. Did I frustrate myself trying to sound out the cursive handwriting? Yes. Did this book take me over a month to get through? Undoubtedly. If you are someone who enjoys mysteries, brainteasers, pick-your-own adventures and stuff of that sort, check this book out.
Now, the real narrative magic of this book lies not only within the margin notes but also the physical letters, postcards, scribbled-upon napkins and all sorts of memorabilia meant to be left by two readers, Eric and Jen, who use the book to communicate. Through their annotations, the readers unravel S’s identity, share their lives and uncover a conspiracy tied to the text itself. Their relationship is just as compelling as the mystery identity they seek to discover.
The novel’s additions, from the loose scraps to handwritten notes to double layers of narrative, make it feel alive. The physicality of the book forces the reader to navigate multiple timelines and perspectives simultaneously, as the events of The Ship of Theseus interplay with the notes left by Eric and Jen.
Reading this is unlike reading any other book. It demands patience and curiosity, as well as a willingness to embrace chaos. The margin notes can be overwhelming at first, as they jump between timelines and reference events that are only gradually explained. However, this complexity is part of the novel’s charm; it invites the reader to participate in piecing the story together. The tactile qualities make the story feel immersive, as the items are not merely gimmicks but essential to unraveling the mysteries at the heart of the narrative.
“S” is a literary puzzle that rewards curiosity and close reading. Its layered storytelling and innovative format make it a must-read for fans of metafiction, experimental literature, or anyone who appreciates a narrative that challenges conventions.
