Current Issue #488

Book Review: Calypso

Book Review: Calypso

Mortality lurks in the new collection of essays from humourist David Sedaris.

Having bought a beach house, called the Sea Section, the sardonic essayist observes (largely from his new holiday home) reaching the upper limits of middle age in the Trump era with trademark sharp wit and clever turns of phrase.

His family provides the backbone of his stories. This includes the death of his sister, which he covers with unflinching honesty and without sentiment.

Though his observations can be brutal, there is a humanity at the core of Calypso, which might not be sweet exactly but comforts in a strange sort of way as Sedaris delivers blunt truths you won’t hear in polite company.

Author: David Sedaris
Publisher: Hachette

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