Perfection by Vincenzo Latronico (translated by Sophie Hughes) follows the story of millennial expat couple Tom and Anna’s pursuit of the perfectly styled Berlin life.
What is Perfection about?
Let me first say that Perfection by Vincenzo Latronico isn’t my usual read. Fairly or unfairly, the phrase ‘shortlisted for the International Booker Prize’ takes me back to dissecting texts for my A’ Level English Literature. However, the novel was a gift from a fellow book lover and was highly recommended. And, to be fair, one of my A’ Level texts was Persuasion by Jane Austen which remains my second favourite novel of all time. I therefore settled down to read the story of Tom and Anna with interest.
Twentysomethings Tom and Anna live in Berlin having relocated from southern Europe. The couple work from home and are digital creatives. Their income is dependent on them producing and communicating perfect brand images for their clients. And this obsession with perfection spills out into their own life. They love to travel and use beautifully staged images to sub-let their apartment. Everything must look perfect to be shared on social media. Everything they do must have meaning. They want perfection. But as time passes and friends move on and the economic climate changes can they hold on to this ideal?
What was my verdict?
For me, Perfection by Vincenzo Latronico is more a social commentary than a novel. For a start, there is no dialogue at all. A brave step by Latronico that goes against all the novel writing rules. But it works. He cleverly brings into sharp focus our obsession with social media and projecting an unrealistic image of our own lives. How many times do you see couples and groups together not talking with each other but all fixated with their electronic devices.
If you love fast-paced, emotionally engaging stories with a resolution then I’d say Perfection probably isn’t for you. But, if you want to broaden your book horizons and read a clever and thought-provoking take on modern day life then give it a go. I enjoyed Latronico’s fascinating book. It was totally different to what I’d normally choose and just shows it’s worth trying something new. It’s a thumbs up and a recommendation from me.