In her remarkable debut novel, Eliza Moss masterfully weaves a narrative that captures the complicated landscape of modern relationships, self-doubt, and the universal quest for belonging. What It’s Like in Words follows Enola, a twenty-something aspiring writer whose life takes an intense turn when she meets a charismatic but troubled male writer at a literary gathering. Through Moss’s precise and emotionally resonant prose, we witness the gradual unraveling of Enola’s sense of self as she becomes entangled in a relationship that’s as addictive as it is destructive.
Literary Merit & Writing Style
Moss’s writing style is particularly noteworthy for its immediacy and emotional precision. The prose shifts seamlessly between present-day events and memories of Enola’s childhood in Kenya, creating a rich tapestry of experience that informs her current struggles. The author demonstrates exceptional skill in capturing the internal monologue of someone caught in the grip of toxic love, with observations that are both painfully accurate and beautifully rendered.
The narrative structure, spanning 24 hours while weaving through two years of relationship history, is ambitious and mostly successful. Moss handles the time shifts with remarkable dexterity, though occasionally the transitions can feel slightly jarring. The decision to leave the male love interest unnamed throughout the novel serves as a powerful literary device, emphasizing his role as both a specific character and an archetype of toxic masculinity.
Character Development & Relationships
One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its complex character dynamics. The relationship between Enola and her best friend Ruth is particularly well-crafted, serving as an anchor of authentic connection in contrast to the volatile romantic relationship at the story’s center. Ruth emerges as a fully realized character rather than simply a voice of reason, with her own struggles and growth arc that parallels Enola’s journey.
The portrayal of Enola’s relationship with her mother is another highlight, evolving from simple antagonism to a more nuanced understanding of their shared history. The late-story phone call between them stands as one of the novel’s most powerful scenes, perfectly capturing the complicated nature of mother-daughter relationships.
Themes & Social Commentary
What It’s Like in Words expertly explores several interconnected themes:
- The nature of memory and how we construct our personal narratives
- The impact of childhood trauma on adult relationships
- The tension between artistic ambition and emotional stability
- The way women often diminish themselves to appear “cool” or “easygoing”
- The complex dynamics of female friendship
Critical Analysis
While the novel largely succeeds in its ambitious goals, there are moments where the pacing feels uneven, particularly in the middle section. The multiple timeline structure, though effective overall, occasionally creates confusion about the sequence of events.
The unnamed male character, while serving as an effective catalyst for Enola’s journey, sometimes verges on becoming too obviously villainous, though Moss generally manages to pull back from this brink with nuanced character moments that hint at his own damaged nature.
Comparative Context
Fans of Sally Rooney’s Normal People and Ottessa Moshfegh’s My Year of Rest and Relaxation will find familiar themes explored here, though Moss brings her own distinct voice to the conversation. The novel also shares DNA with works like Lisa Taddeo’s Three Women in its unflinching examination of female desire and vulnerability.
Impact & Significance
What It’s Like in Words makes a significant contribution to contemporary literature about toxic relationships, distinguishing itself through its careful attention to the way such dynamics can intersect with creative ambition and childhood trauma. The novel’s greatest achievement is its ability to show how a smart, self-aware woman can become trapped in an unhealthy relationship while maintaining her essential humanity and dignity.
Technical Elements
The prose is sharp and contemporary, with dialogue that rings true to modern relationships. Moss demonstrates particular skill in handling scene transitions and internal monologue, though occasionally the metaphorical language becomes slightly overwrought.
Target Audience & Appeal
This novel will resonate particularly with:
- Readers interested in contemporary literary fiction
- Those who enjoy complex character studies
- Fans of novels exploring toxic relationships and female agency
- Anyone who has struggled with creative ambition and self-doubt
Final Verdict
Strengths:
- Emotionally precise writing
- Complex, well-developed relationships
- Nuanced exploration of trauma and recovery
- Strong sense of place and atmosphere
- Compelling narrative voice
Areas for Improvement:
- Occasional pacing issues
- Some timeline transitions could be smoother
- Secondary character development sometimes uneven
What It’s Like in Words announces Eliza Moss as a significant new voice in contemporary fiction. Despite some minor flaws typical of debut novels, the book succeeds brilliantly in its core mission: examining the complex interplay between love, art, and self-discovery. It’s a remarkable achievement that lingers in the mind long after the final page.