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Corey Fah Does Social Mobility by Isabel Waidner - 4* - My Review

This is a surreal story that employs an alternate version of the tale of Bambi as a narrative device. The titular Corey Fah has won a literary award for the “Fictionalization of Social Evils,” but the award itself proves almost impossible to collect. The trophy remains out of reach, and its physical possession is required to collect the corresponding monetary prize. In this book Bambi Pavok is an eight-legged combination of arachnid and deer. The primary theme involves “othering.” Waidner sets up the question of why feelings of sympathy are often influenced by physical qualities. It also pokes fun at the literary prize community.

It is structured in interwoven pieces, including the attempt to collect the award and the story of the hybrid creature Bambi Pavok (which Corey has brought home to their partner Drew). It also involves a reality television show (Social Mobility) where Bambi Pavok suddenly holds appeal as an oddity. Wormholes and time loops add to the zaniness. I must admit that I did not initially “get” all the cultural references and had to look up Joe Orton. This is not a book for anyone looking for a traditional narrative, but if you are interested in something a bit off the beaten path that has a positive message of acceptance, give it a try.