Glyph
A Novel
(Author) Percival EverettIn paperback for the first time, the much-beloved satirical novel The New York Times praised as "both a treatise and a romp" Baby Ralph has ways to pass the time in his crib—but they don't include staring at a mobile. Aided by his mother, he reads voraciously: "All of Swift, all of Sterne, Invisible Man, Baldwin, Joyce, Balzac, Auden, Roethke," along with a generous helping of philosophy, semiotics, and trashy thrillers. He's also fond of writing poems and stories (in crayon). But Ralph has limits. He's mute by choice and can't drive, so in his own estimation he's not a genius. Unfortunately for him, everyone else disagrees. His psychiatrist kidnaps him for testing, and once his brilliance is quantified (IQ: 475), a Pentagon officer also abducts him. Diabolically funny and lacerating in its critique of poststructuralism, Glyph has the feverish plot of a thriller and the philosophical depth of a text by Roland Barthes. If anyone can map the wilds of literary theory, it's Ralph, one of Percival Everett's most enduring creations.
Percival Everett
Percival Everett is an American writer known for his diverse body of work that includes novels, poetry, and short stories. He is known for his experimental and genre-defying writing style that often challenges conventional narrative structures and explores themes of race, identity, and language.
Some of his most notable works include "Erasure," a satirical novel that critiques the publishing industry and explores issues of race and representation, and "I Am Not Sidney Poitier," a comedic novel that follows the misadventures of a young black man named Not Sidney Poitier.
Everett's contributions to literature include his exploration of complex and nuanced characters, his use of humor and satire to address serious social issues, and his willingness to push the boundaries of traditional storytelling.
His impact on the literary genre can be seen in his ability to blur the lines between genres, blend literary forms, and challenge readers' expectations. One of his most famous works, "Erasure," has been praised for its sharp social commentary and inventive narrative structure.
Overall, Percival Everett's work is characterized by its intelligence, wit, and willingness to confront difficult truths, making him a unique and influential voice in contemporary literature.
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