The Facade of Niceness Crumbles

John Lanchester’s novel, Look What You Made Me Do, is a scathing critique of modern society’s obsession with niceness. On its surface, it’s a darkly comedic psychological thriller about two couples whose lives become increasingly entangled in a web of infidelity, obsession, and revenge.

But scratch beneath the façade, and you’ll find a searing indictment of our collective performance of niceness. In a world where social media platforms reward us for curating an image of perfection, Lanchester’s novel shines a light on the hypocrisy of our age. We tout ourselves as “good people,” but behind closed doors, we’re capable of unspeakable cruelty and deceit.

The novel’s protagonist launches into a scathing diatribe about Yotam Ottolenghi’s ubiquity in modern British life. This moment of levity is also a commentary on our addiction to appearances. Lanchester masterfully explores the tension between how we present ourselves to the world and who we truly are.

Lanchester’s critique of niceness is particularly relevant given the current cultural landscape. We’re living in an era where everyone is watching everyone else, and the pressure to present a perfect image has never been greater. Social media platforms have created a culture of voyeurism, where we’re all experts on each other’s lives without ever having to engage with them directly.

The novel also critiques class and intergenerational tensions in modern society. Lanchester weaves together these complexities with ease, creating a narrative that’s both thrilling and thought-provoking. One of the most striking aspects of the novel is its use of technology as a tool for revenge – a commentary on our increasing reliance on social media to navigate relationships and conflicts.

As we read Lanchester’s novel, we’re forced to confront the darker aspects of human nature. We’re reminded that even in the most seemingly ordinary lives, there lies a capacity for cruelty and destructiveness. Look What You Made Me Do is not just a thriller or a comedy; it’s also a dark meditation on niceness in an age where everyone is watching everyone else.

Ultimately, Lanchester’s novel serves as a warning: our performance of niceness can only last so long before the façade crumbles. As we continue to navigate the complexities of modern society, we’d do well to remember that even the most seemingly perfect lives are built on a foundation of impermanence and fragility.

The real pleasure of Lanchester’s novel lies in its voice and humor, but also in its ability to spark difficult conversations about the nature of niceness. As we finish reading the final pages, we’re left with more questions than answers: what does it mean to be a “good person” in today’s world? How do we navigate the complexities of class and intergenerational tensions without resorting to cruelty or deceit?

Look What You Made Me Do is a novel that will leave you unsettled, but also profoundly thinking about the state of our society. It’s a testament to Lanchester’s skill as a writer that he can take on some of the toughest issues of our time and craft a narrative that’s both thrilling and thought-provoking.

Our performance of niceness is wearing thin. It’s time to confront the darker aspects of human nature head-on and to start building lives that are authentic, rather than curated for public consumption.