An overview of
The Unfortunates
by B. S. Johnson
2.Picadora
a.1969
The Unfortunates summarized (in two sentences or less)
In "The Unfortunates," B.S. Johnson delivers a unique "book in a box," where 27 unbound sections are meant to be read in a random order, mimicking the fragmented nature of memory. The story revolves around a sports journalist who visits a city for a football match and is flooded with memories of his friend Tony, who died of cancer, exploring themes of friendship, mortality, and the passage of time.
The Unfortunates Trivia and/or (Un)fun Facts
Book in a Box: The original edition came in a box with 27 unbound sections, designed to be read in a random order. It's like a literary jigsaw puzzle!
Inspired by Real Life: The book is a semi-autobiographical account of B.S. Johnson's own experiences and his friendship with Tony Tillinghast, a poet who died of cancer.
Experimental Pioneer: B.S. Johnson was a leading figure in 1960s experimental literature in Britain. The Unfortunates is often cited as one of the most innovative works of the period.
Why The Unfortunates Is Challenging
The book itself is a physical manifestation of the narrator's mind, with the pages being unbound and loose, and the reader having to physically piece the story together.
Why The Unfortunates Is Worth Reading
Aside from its boxy charm, the coolest thing has to be its raw, unfiltered dive into the human experience of memory. The book doesn't just tell you a story; it mimics how memory actually works—fragmented, nonlinear, and deeply emotional. It's like a literary time machine that takes you through the highs and lows of friendship and loss.
Who The Unfortunates Is For
Experimental Enthusiasts: If you're into books that break the mold and challenge the very idea of what a book can be, you're in for a treat.
Memory Buffs: Fascinated by the workings of memory, nostalgia, and how the past shapes us? This book dives deep into that territory.
Emotional Explorers: If you appreciate stories that tackle heavy themes like friendship, loss, and mortality, this one's got emotional depth in spades.
Puzzle Lovers: If you enjoy piecing together fragmented narratives and don't mind a bit of mental gymnastics, this book is your playground.
Literary Adventurers: If you're the type who loves to explore different genres, styles, and innovative storytelling techniques, this is a must-read.
How to Read The Unfortunates
Embrace the Chaos: Don't try to force a linear narrative. The book's designed to be fragmented, so let it surprise you.
One at a Time: Read one section at a time and let it sink in before moving on to the next. This mimics the way memory works, which is kinda the point.
Take Notes: With the sections being unbound, it's easy to lose track. Jot down your thoughts or reactions as you go along.
No Cheating: Resist the urge to read reviews or summaries beforehand. The book's impact is strongest when you don't know what's coming.
Reflect on Themes: As you read, think about the themes of memory, friendship, and mortality. They're the glue that holds the fragments together.
Multiple Reads: Given its structure, each reading can offer a new experience. Don't be afraid to revisit it later.
Mindset Matters: This isn't a casual read. Make sure you're in a space—mentally and physically—where you can focus and reflect.
Discussion Questions about The Unfortunates
The Unfortunates Research Prompts for Postdocs:
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Fragmented Narratology: How does the book's fragmented structure challenge traditional narratological frameworks, and what new models might better suit its analysis?
Memory and Temporality: How does the book engage with theories of memory and temporality, particularly in the context of postmodern literature?
Ethics of Autobiography: Given its semi-autobiographical nature, how does The Unfortunates navigate the ethical complexities of representing real people and events?
Reader Agency: How does the book's unbound, randomized format affect the reader's agency in constructing the narrative?
Metafictional Elements: Are there instances where the book becomes self-aware of its own experimental form, and how does this affect reader engagement?
Thematic Cohesion: Despite its fragmented structure, how does the book maintain thematic cohesion around topics like friendship, mortality, and memory?
Intertextual Dialogues: How does The Unfortunates interact with or respond to other experimental works, both within and outside B.S. Johnson's oeuvre?
Cultural and Historical Context: How does the book reflect or critique the cultural and historical context of Britain in the 1960s?
Psychological Realism: How does the book's structure and style engage with psychological theories about how humans experience and recall events?
The Materiality of Text: Given its unique physical form, how does The Unfortunates contribute to discussions about the materiality of literature and its impact on interpretation?
The Unfortunates Conversation Starters for Normal People:
- Randomized Reading: How does the experience of reading the sections in a random order affect your understanding of the story and its themes?
Memory and Structure: The book aims to mimic the fragmented nature of memory. Do you think it succeeds, and how does this impact your engagement with the text?
Emotional Depth: Despite its experimental form, the book tackles heavy themes like friendship and mortality. How does the structure enhance or detract from these emotional elements?
Reader's Role: How does the book's unique format change your role as a reader? Do you feel more active, engaged, or perhaps even disoriented?
Comparative Analysis: How does The Unfortunates compare to other experimental or non-linear narratives you've encountered? What sets it apart?
Questions about The Unfortunates that you can ask your dog:
- Remembering Friends: In the story, a man thinks about his friend Tony, who he misses a lot. What do you do when you miss a friend?
Visiting Places: The man goes to a city to watch a soccer game. What's your favorite game to watch or play?
Mixed-Up Story: The man's thoughts about his friend and the city are all mixed up, like a puzzle. Do you like puzzles? What's your favorite one?
The Most Amusing The Unfortunates Review I Can Find
Like listening to an Alzheimer's patient trying to tell a story
★☆☆☆☆
—Soda Boy via Goodreads
—Soda Boy via Goodreads