
Toad, a posthumously published novel by Katherine Dunn, offers readers a deeply introspective and poignant exploration of isolation, identity, and the search for meaning within the countercultural milieu of 1960s Portland, Oregon. Written in the 1970s but only discovered and published in 2022, Toad stands as a testament to Dunn's enduring literary prowess and her keen understanding of human frailty and resilience.
The novel centers on Sally Gunnar, a reformed "bohemian slob" living in self-imposed exile. Sally's life is marked by a depressive haze, punctuated by her interactions with her goldfish and her consumption of ice cream and murder mysteries. The narrative oscillates between Sally's present-day reclusiveness and flashbacks to her youth, revealing the events that led to her current state of isolation.
In her youth, Sally is a waitress in Portland, subsisting on soda and cigarettes. Her life takes a turn when she meets Sam, a charismatic college student who embodies everything Sally aspires to be—stylish, intellectual, and effortlessly cool. However, Sam is also frustratingly pretentious, constantly reinventing himself in a manner reminiscent of a "manic pixie dream boy," as noted by Molly Crabapple in the novel's foreword.
Sally becomes infatuated with Sam and his group of hippie friends, who exude a certain panache despite their apparent poverty. This group includes Carlotta, a swimwear model from California who becomes Sam's partner and the mother of his child. Sally's unrequited love for Sam and her role as the perpetual third wheel in his relationship with Carlotta form the crux of the novel's emotional tension.
Toad delves into the intellectual and emotional poverty that often accompanies the search for identity and belonging. The novel is saturated with the atmosphere of 1960s counterculture, capturing the desperation and confusion of young adults trying to find their place in the world. Dunn's portrayal of this era is both critical and empathetic, highlighting the performative nature of the characters' lives and their struggle to reconcile their authentic selves with societal expectations.
Sally's narrative is self-deprecating and sardonic, filled with moments of dark humor and profound insight. Her reflections on her past relationships and her current state of isolation offer a raw and unflinching look at the human condition. The novel's title, Toad, is a metaphor for Sally's sense of being an outsider, a creature that thrives in the shadows and the margins of society.
Critics have noted that Toad is a quieter and more modest offering compared to Dunn's more famous work, Geek Love. While Geek Love is a "misfit anthem" with its flamboyant and grotesque characters, Toad is a "misfit ballad" that focuses on the consciousness of a single marginal eccentric. This introspective approach allows Dunn to explore themes of freedom, power, and the tyranny of social structures in a nuanced and deeply personal manner.
Toad is a tragic yet profoundly human novel that resonates with anyone who has ever felt like an outsider. Dunn's ability to capture the complexities of human relationships and the struggle for self-acceptance makes this novel a valuable addition to her literary legacy. It is a testament to the enduring relevance of her work and her unique voice in American literature.
For readers who appreciate character-driven stories that delve into the intricacies of the human psyche, Toad is a must-read. It is a novel that lingers in the mind long after the last page is turned, reminding us of the enduring power of literature to illuminate the darkest corners of our lives.
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