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Sourdough by Robin Sloan
Because of the pressure we readers put on authors’ second books and the inevitable comparisons to their breakthrough success, I do not envy bestselling debut novelists. I adored the wonder and mystery of the puzzle, as well as the legacy and good-natured retro geek flair of Mr. Penumbra’s 24 Hour Bookstore.
Could Robin Sloan apply the same amount of contagious curiosity, charming eccentricity, wonder, and astonishment to bread as he did to books? Could you make that dish again? No, according to this late reader from Generation X. Unlike its predecessor, Robin Sloan’s Sourdough did not achieve the same high standards.
I continue to appreciate Sloan’s writing style, underlining numerous sections as I read. Even though it’s a touch more subdued than in his debut, his subtle humour and wit are always evident. The flaws with Sourdough, in my opinion, are in the ingredients more than the story. Lois and many other characters in this book display some of the darker characteristics associated with the Gen Y/Millenial clichés, which Sloan is subtly mocking.
In a rush to be seen, while showing a lack of genuine interest in a specific direction, a sense of passivity towards who sets the goals In turn, this is perceived as a lack of personal fulfilment. However, Lois does make for a compelling heroine thanks to her often wise and jaded observations.
Sloan attempts to add gravity and a sense of grandeur to the gourmet plot by including some nice older folks who become Lois’ confidantes. However, just like the email conversation that develops with her gastronomic career, it was quietly endearing but ultimately felt incomplete. Reading Sourdough is a lot of fun. All I wanted was more.
About The Book
Software developer Lois Clary, who works for a robotics business in San Francisco, codes all day and passes out at night. The proprietors of her favourite sandwich business give her the starter for their delectable sourdough bread after it closes.
Lois is tasked with taking care of it, baking with it, and maintaining the life of this vulnerable colony of microbes. The elite, close-knit organisation that runs the farmer’s market soon has her baking loaves every day and selling them there.
A whole new universe emerges when Lois learns of a second, more covert market that aims to combine food and technology. But exactly who are these people?
The Review
Sourdough
9.3 Score
“Sourdough” is a romp into the world of bread making as a health restoration, as entrepreneurship, and as a life-changer. Take one overworked tech geek who has no “real” life, add one gifted sourdough culture starter, and imagination that follows curiosity—welcome to the adventures of Lois. Lois, much like Alice in Wonderland, has a child-like curiosity and a need for human contact. Lois meets her rabbit in the form of soup maker brothers who add a slice of sourdough bread to each order of soup.
PROS
- A Dash Of Magical Realism!
- Light, Intelligent, And Magical.
- Cyber Fairytale.
- Wonderfully Escapist.
CONS
- Just Too Sour.
- Terrible Ending.
- Little Plot Development.
- Not Overly Interesting.
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