Review of The Potency of Ungovernable Impulses (The Investigation…) by Malka Older
As I dove into The Potency of Ungovernable Impulses (The Investigation…), I found myself instantly entranced by Malka Older’s unique narrative voice, which feels both refreshingly innovative and oddly reminiscent of my own past writing endeavors. It’s like sifting through old journals, cringing at the misguided attempts at profundity while secretly admiring the earnestness. Older’s work straddles that delicate line between delightful and mortifying, drawing you in with wit and leaving you to grapple with the underlying complexities of modern existence.
At the heart of this exploration lies a profound commentary on the human condition and our fraught relationship with evil and nature. One of the book’s standout reflections—that "nature would save us the trouble of doing away with evil people largely went out of fashion when evil people destroyed nature"—captures the crux of our modern malaise. It resonates deeply, provoking thoughts about the concurrent deterioration of both our environment and ethical landscapes.
The characters, especially the indomitable Mossa, embody the complexities of this world. I found myself both frustrated and intrigued by Mossa’s contradictions—she’s a passionate investigator, yet often a "shitty girlfriend," as I amusingly noted. This duality feels starkly real, reflecting the tangled web of relationships we all navigate. Her journey is peppered with moments that made me chuckle and cringe; her struggles serve to remind us that none of us are perfect, and it’s in that imperfection that Older finds potent humor.
Older’s writing style is an eclectic mix that I can only describe as quirky yet profound. The use of language feels like a play on linguistics, bridging the future with remnants of the past. I couldn’t help but laugh at the juxtaposition of highbrow phrases like “n’esp?” with the stark casualness of “dafuq?” It’s as if I were having a conversation with a friend who alternates between intellectual musings and casual banter—endearingly absurd yet thought-provoking. Each playful linguistic twist reflects the peculiar cadence of life itself, where profound thoughts often intermingle with the absurdity of our daily existences.
Reflecting upon the book’s worldbuilding, Older’s ideas on urban planning struck a chord with me. The notion of balancing private and public spaces—where a yearning for solitude exists alongside a desire for companionship—resonated in an age where loneliness feels more pervasive than ever. Imagining a community designed to fulfill both needs felt like a utopian dream worth aspiring to.
Older’s exploration of rationality, articulated through the character Mossa—“rationality is a tool; and, like any other, it is fallible”—served as a sobering reminder of our own limitations. The book succeeds not just in entertaining but in invoking introspection, which often left me reflecting long after I closed the cover.
In conclusion, The Potency of Ungovernable Impulses is a captivating choice for readers who enjoy a blend of humor, introspection, and linguistic playfulness wrapped in a thought-provoking narrative. If you appreciate characters rich in complexity and themes that explore the chaotic interdependencies of nature and morality, this book is a must-read. My time with it was a delightful journey, filled with laughter, contemplation, and a profound connection to my own struggles—like returning to a younger self, armed with a bit more wisdom.
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