Book Review: The Most by Jessica Anthony
As an avid reader, I often find myself captivated by stories that explore the intricacies of human relationships, especially those that unravel under pressure. Jessica Anthony’s The Most, longlisted for the 2024 National Book Award for fiction, drew me in with its premise—a tightly woven narrative set against the backdrop of a stifling 1950s marriage. From the moment I picked it up, I felt as if I were stepping onto a tennis court—ready to engage in an intricate match of emotions, motivations, and realizations.
At the heart of The Most is Kathleen Beckett, a character beautifully crafted from the threads of expectation and frustration. Having been a tennis champion in her youth, Kathleen symbolizes endurance and strength, yet here she finds herself suffocated in a marriage to Virgil, a lazy insurance man spiraling into mediocrity. The novella unfolds over ten hours on an oddly warm November day, capturing Kathleen in a pivotal moment of discontent as she chooses to skip church and take refuge in her backyard pool. This choice sets off a chain of events that forces Kathleen to confront her stalled life, while Virgil wrestles with his own revelations.
The interspersed glimpses into Kathleen’s past—her training and informal education from her Czech tennis coach—add depth to her character. The move called “the most,” which translates to “the bridge,” serves as a powerful metaphor for Kathleen’s struggle against her confining environment. This notion of drawing opponents closer only to strike them with an unmanageable blow resonated deeply with me. It sparked reflections on how often we hold on to suffocating relationships and the courage it takes to break free.
Anthony’s writing style is both evocative and succinct, perfectly suiting the memoir-like tone of the novella. Though the narrative spans a mere 144 pages, it feels rich and layered—nothing is superfluous, and every word serves a purpose. The pacing is deliberate, gradually unveiling the characters’ inner lives while maintaining a gripping tension. I often found myself pausing to reflect on poignant moments, as Anthony seamlessly integrates historical context, like the launch of Sputnik 2, which felt particularly relevant in illustrating the cultural pressures and societal norms of the time.
I was particularly struck by a moment when Kathleen defiantly refuses Virgil’s commands, choosing the pool over the expectations thrust upon her. This act is not just an assertion of agency but also an exploration of her complicated relationship with both her husband and herself. It’s a thrilling game of emotional chess that kept me on the edge of my seat, wondering what Kathleen’s endgame would be.
The Most is a heartbreaking yet empowering read that I believe will resonate with anyone who has ever felt trapped in a situation or relationship. It brilliantly captures themes of identity, agency, and ambition against a backdrop of societal repression. If you appreciate characters navigating their way through emotional landscapes and enjoy stories steeped in both personal and cultural history, this novella is a must-read.
As I closed the book, I felt a sense of catharsis and admiration for Kathleen’s journey—a reminder that sometimes, the first step towards liberation begins with refusing to play by the rules. Jessica Anthony has crafted a striking narrative that lingers long after the last page, challenging readers to consider what it truly means to win in life.