Luke Kennard's 'Black Bag': A Hilarious Campus Satire for the Modern Age
Inspired by a real-life 1967 experiment conducted by Charles Goetzinger at Oregon State University, where a student attended classes dressed in a black leather bag, Luke Kennard's new novel Black Bag delivers a sharp and witty commentary on contemporary society. This campus comedy fizzes with invention, exploring themes of identity, acceptance, and the absurdities of modern life.
The Premise: An Actor's Unusual Role
The unnamed narrator, an out-of-work actor in London, stumbles upon a peculiar job advertisement on strange-acting-jobs.org. The role requires him to sit silently at the back of a university lecture theatre for an entire term, clad only in a black leather bag, with payment in cash. He sees this as his big chance to do nothing thoroughly, embracing the opportunity with a mix of disbelief and enthusiasm.
Kennard's Satirical Edge
Luke Kennard, a poet and novelist known for his surreal and satirical works, uses Black Bag to critique late-capitalist, technocratic societies. The novel follows in the footsteps of his previous works, such as The Transition, by immersing readers in bizarre social experiments that reflect deeper societal issues. The real-life experiment by Goetzinger, which showed how attitudes shifted from hostility to friendship over time, serves as a foundation for Kennard's exploration of human adaptability and acceptance.
Characters and Themes
The narrator, an affable millennial in his late 30s, navigates a life of unfulfilling acting gigs and subsistence living. He enlists his childhood friend Claudio, a successful livestreamer who sees monetisation potential in the bag, and attracts the interest of Justine Pearce, a post-humanist professor researching technocracy. As the experiment progresses, the narrator grows attached to his bag, and rumors of a secret bag society emerge, adding layers of humor and intrigue.
Key insights include:
- A depiction of millennial creative life, with its rejections and fading hopes.
- Explorations of masculinity, friendship, and art in a digital age.
- Absurd scenarios and razor-sharp jokes that keep the narrative engaging.
Emotional Depth and Relevance
Beyond the comedy, Black Bag delves into the forlorn aspects of modern existence. The narrator's realization that he is merely an English suburbanite at heart highlights fears more profound than any technological apocalypse. Kennard's novel communicates a human concern for meaning and connection, making it a poignant read for today's audiences.
Conclusion: A Must-Read Novel
Black Bag by Luke Kennard, published by John Murray, is a campus novel for our end times. It combines wit, invention, and keen social observations to create a story that gains affection from the first page. Whether you're a fan of satire or seeking a humorous yet thoughtful read, this book offers a unique perspective on life's absurdities.
