Captivated by Complexity: A Review of Big Kiss, Bye-Bye by Felicity Bennett
When I first stumbled upon Big Kiss, Bye-Bye by Felicity Bennett, I was drawn in by its promise of exploring the intricacies of modern relationships through the lens of a contemporary woman’s inner life. The book’s enticing blend of humor and melancholy suggested I was in for a thoughtful ride. Little did I know how it would challenge my understanding of what makes a novel truly "interesting."
At the heart of Big Kiss, Bye-Bye is the unnamed narrator, whose deep introspection weaves a rich tapestry of her relationship with Xavier, a much older man. Their dynamic is complex — rife with self-awareness and occasional self-doubt — which Bennett portrays with tenderness and honesty. As the narrator grapples with her feelings toward Xavier’s weekly floral gifts, a simple yet profound act is transformed into a pivotal exploration of taste, preference, and even love itself. This moment reveals how Bennett cleverly marries the mundane with the philosophical. There’s something refreshing about a protagonist who, while acknowledging her irritation with Xavier’s choices, still finds a deep emotional resonance in those red roses, turning a moment of annoyance into a symbol of deeper connection.
Bennett’s prose swings gracefully like a pendulum between affection and frustration, painting a relatable picture of a woman much like many of us — self-aware yet caught in the throes of emotional indecision. As I read, I particularly admired passages where the narrator’s inner dialogue seamlessly danced between insight and insecurity. One standout moment struck a chord: “I took off all the heads when they went over, and when the petals were completely dried up I put them in a crystal bowl…” The melancholy voice in this scene, reflecting on love lost and memories held, lingered with me long after the page had turned.
Yet, despite its engaging character work and emotionally rich prose, I found myself grappling with the question: What exactly does Big Kiss, Bye-Bye contribute to the broader conversation of contemporary literature? While its focus on women’s inner experiences is admirable and necessary, I couldn’t shake the sense that it somewhat retreats from the broader literary dialogue. The echoes of Beckett and Joyce feel like whispers rather than conversations, with the implied author seemingly hesitant to fully embrace the intertextuality that could enrich her work.
In navigating these reflections, I appreciated Bennett’s skill in crafting relatable characters, though I yearned for more commentary on the narratives that came before it — a sense of dialogue with literary predecessors could have enhanced my reading experience.
Big Kiss, Bye-Bye will resonate with anyone who enjoys character-driven narratives that delve into the intricacies of modern relationships, particularly readers who appreciate the nuances of emotional exploration without necessarily seeking the experimental or avant-garde. It’s a cozy yet thought-provoking read for fans of literary fiction that invites you to linger in the depth of character rather than the breadth of plot.
As I closed the book, I found myself questioning what interesting fiction means today. Felicity Bennett offers us a poignant exploration of one woman’s experience, but it left me wondering how it aligns — or perhaps doesn’t — with the literary innovations surrounding us. Nonetheless, for those looking to reflect on love, identity, and the sometimes messy journey of self-discovery, Big Kiss, Bye-Bye is definitely worth a read.