A Complex, Thought-Provoking Triumph: Biography of X by Catherine Lacey

For book club, we read and discussed Biography of X by Catherine Lacey. I’ll admit, I was the only one in the group who really enjoyed it—but I honestly loved it.

This book is an ambitious and unique piece of literature, and I was impressed by how Lacey manages to weave together a complicated, layered narrative into something that feels both cohesive and challenging.

A Fictionalized Biography in a Dystopian World

At first glance, Biography of X appears to be a straightforward biography, but it’s much more than that. It’s a fictionalized account of a woman’s life, interwoven with dystopian elements and a deep exploration of identity, perception, and truth. The structure of the book itself is fascinating—written as if it’s an academic biography of a woman named X, the narrative blurs the lines between fact and fiction, between reality and distortion.

What really struck me is the way Lacey uses our real world to shape the fictionalized one in the novel. Names, events, and historical moments from our world are woven into the fabric of the story, creating a sense of familiarity while keeping the reader on their toes. This manipulation of fact makes the novel feel both disorienting and immersive, twisting the reader’s perception in a way that feels both challenging and rewarding.

Thematic Depth and Literary References

One of the larger themes that stood out to me is the exploration of identity and how we understand others, particularly in relationships. The narrator, a widow, spends the novel trying to piece together the mystery of her wife’s past. But the more she uncovers, the more layers are added, and she realizes that understanding someone is never as simple as it seems. This reminded me of Steppenwolf by Hermann Hesse, one of my all-time favorite novels, which explores similar themes of self-discovery and the complexities of human nature. Biography of X is full of philosophical reflections, and there’s a lot to unpack in terms of identity, agency, and how much of what we know about others is shaped by perception rather than truth.

Not for the Faint of Heart, but Worth the Challenge

The novel certainly isn’t easy to read. The characters are complicated and, honestly, not very likable. There’s no action to propel the plot forward, and no clear character arc to follow. It’s a book about ideas, not about plot progression. The narrator’s investigation into her wife’s past feels more like an intellectual exercise than a traditional story, but that’s part of what makes it so intriguing.

It’s the kind of book that challenges you to think deeply, and to be okay with not having all the answers by the end. In fact, the lack of resolution is part of what makes it so thought-provoking. There’s no neat conclusion, only more questions and layers waiting to be explored.

A Novel as Art

I would categorize Biography of X in the “novel as art” category. It’s unconventional, a little unsettling, and definitely requires patience from the reader. But if you’re open to being challenged and think you can handle the lack of a tidy narrative, then I highly recommend it.

While the characters may not be likable and the pacing might not be for everyone, the sheer creativity and intellectual depth of the novel make it a work that stands out. I appreciate books that take risks, that push boundaries, and that challenge the reader to see the world in a new way. Catherine Lacey has certainly accomplished that here, and I think she deserves every bit of recognition she’s received for this novel.

Final Thoughts

Biography of X is not a typical read, but if you’re looking for a book that will make you think long after you’ve finished, this is a must-read. Prepare to be challenged, and expect to spend time mulling over the deeper themes and layers of meaning. It’s not a light read, but it’s one I’ll be thinking about for a long time.