Blaine book club review: ‘Sourdough’

Like the joy of freshly baked bread, “Sourdough” is a warm and comforting read.  

Satire traditionally employs irony and exaggeration to humorously point out social and political failings. Consequently, satire tends to run blunt and stark. In “Sourdough,” Robin Sloan crafts something different: A subtly satirical look at the modern world – a satire with pathos and heart. The story centers on Lois Clary, a recent transplant to San Francisco, who is navigating employment in the tech sector, her relationship with food, and the trials and travails of early adulthood. The absurdity of modern life is highlighted throughout, yet balanced with realism and emotion in such a way that you may miss the satirical elements at times. 

Our complex and varied experience with food is a throughline throughout “Sourdough.” Is food for indulgence and enjoyment, or merely utilitarian? Do we need to find the best way to streamline the fueling of our human machines for top efficiency, or is food a communal endeavor that feeds more than just our bodies? Cultural and societal expectations discordantly clash as Lois journeys across the spectrum of approaches to food. 

Similarly, “Sourdough” casts its satirical lens upon vocation: why do we do the work that we do? Lois is faced with confronting the dilemma of staying on a financially lucrative path or embarking on a new and tenuous course. How do we find the balance between discovering our meaning and securing a livelihood? “Sourdough” doesn’t provide the big answers to life, but through the gift of storytelling Sloan leads the reader to look at some universal experiences in a new light. 

“Sourdough” feels nearly magical at times, with a starter yeast that is a character in its own right, and a mysterious fictional ethnic culture that serves as a plot-catalyst, but ultimately this is a down-to-earth story that confronts the realities of modern life, albeit with humor, joy, and warmth.  

“Sourdough” should appeal to readers of contemporary fiction, satire and anyone looking for a funny, warm and uplifting story. Visit wcls.org to find “Sourdough” and other similarly themed stories. 

Jonathan Jakobitz is an avid reader and the branch manager of Blaine Public Library. 

“Sourdough” is the March selection for the Books & Bites book group. Join Books & Bites at the Blaine Library on Friday, March 15th, at 1 p.m. for a time of community and lively conversation.