Study for Obedience is a strange novella. Shortlisted for the Booker Prize and winner of the Scotia Giller Prize, this book has the ability to either hit the mark or miss it. Written by Sarah Bernstein, this eerie story revolves around an unknown woman who moves to an unnamed countryside to assist her brother after his wife and kids move out. The trouble begins when a series of unfortunate and bizarre events occur after her arrival. There’s a phantom dog pregnancy, cows going mad, a dead ewe and her lamb. Our protagonist doesn’t speak the countryside’s language and this puts her in an odd spot with the locals. And they don’t trust her because of the things happening around them.

It gets clear very early on that the woman is brought up in a way to listen to her parents and brothers without any question. She dedicates herself in taking care of her divorced brother. Her self worth is attached to what others think of her, constantly worrying if her actions are considered normal or wrong. She tries her best to participate in the village activities but never manages to make a single friend. A major chunk of the novella describes her time in the countryside, taking walks and talking about her past, all the while describing her current business in the strange village.

This novella works because of the atmosphere it sets. It’s eerie with almost a haunting twinge to it because it keeps you guessing about what would happen next. The plot is fairly simple but it is Bernstein’s writing style that grabs your attention. It reads long, narrations that stretch. And this was why I had to push myself to finish it. Apart from the long narrative, it did tend to deviate every now and then. It was hard to hold on to the story, while constantly trying to pay attention to it. This book may not be for everyone but it certainly challenges you with its unique way of writing.

Thank you for the copy @penguinindia x @meenakshikainth_ ✨