Title: Set This House in Order
Author: Matt Ruff
First published February 4, 2003
496 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780060954857 (ISBN10: 006095485X)
Rating: 4.29
Overview
Set This House in Order by Matt Ruff is a fascinating novel that explores the life of Andy Gage, who was born in 1965 and murdered by his stepfather. But Andy’s death was no ordinary murder.
It shattered his soul into pieces, and these pieces became coinheritors of his life. Now, more than a hundred souls share an imaginary house inside Andy’s head, each struggling to maintain an orderly coexistence.
But when Andy meets his new coworker, Penny Driver, who is also a multiple personality, he reluctantly agrees to help her other souls, setting off a chain of events that threatens to destroy the stability of the house. As Andy and Penny work together to uncover a terrible secret that Andy has been keeping from himself, they must navigate a complex world where the boundaries between reality and imagination are constantly shifting.
Set This House in Order is a thrilling and thought-provoking novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
About the Author
I was born in the bustling city of New York in the year 1965. As a young child, I discovered my passion for writing fiction and spent my formative years honing my storytelling skills.
During my time at Cornell University, I crafted my first published novel, Fool on the Hill, as part of my Honors English senior thesis. Thanks to the guidance of my professor, Alison Lurie, and a bit of luck, Fool on the Hill was picked up by Atlantic Monthly Press just six months after I graduated.
Over time, I’ve been able to make a career out of writing novels, thanks to the support of my loved ones, foreign rights sales, grants, and a growing back catalog. My third book, Set This House in Order, was a major milestone in my career, earning me several prestigious awards and a fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts.
My fourth novel, Bad Monkeys, also won multiple awards and is currently being developed into a film starring Margot Robbie. Additionally, my sixth book, Lovecraft Country, has been adapted into an HBO series by an all-star team including Misha Green, Jordan Peele, and J.J. Abrams, set to premiere on August 16.
In 1998, I married my best friend, Lisa Gold, a researcher and rare-book expert. We’ve made our home in the vibrant city of Seattle, Washington.
Editoral Review
Set This House in Order by Matt Ruff is a masterwork that seamlessly blends science fiction, thriller, and psychological drama. Published on February 4, 2003, the book won hearts for its creativity, characters, and message.
Matt Ruff is an American writer and an alumnus of Cornell University where he majored in English. He has written several critically acclaimed novels, including Fool on the Hill and Sewer, Gas & Electric.
Set This House in Order follows two protagonists, Andy and Penny, who share a unique condition called Multiple Personality Disorder. As they navigate their complicated relationship and past traumas, they attempt to understand the inner workings of their minds and the role their alternate personalities play.
Through a series of alternations between first-person narrations, we get to experience the internal monologues of Andy and Penny’s many personalities, all while uncovering the truth about their families and the mysteries surrounding their condition. The novel is a merging of genres, blending science fiction with a psychological thriller, and utilizing both to tell an amazing story that will leave you emotionally exhausted.
The world Matt Ruff has created is a heightened version of our own, rich with symbolism and dynamics associated with our own society – including issues surrounding gender, sexuality, and politics. Alongside Ruff’s potent imagination lies a deep comprehension of human nature and psychology.
He displays a seemingly effortless awareness of how minds work and how people interact; each character in the story feels not only engaging but also realistic. Matt Ruff’s writing style is descriptive and emotive, often employing imagery to ensure that his readers can visualize the world around them.
He also put a great deal of consideration into the pacing of the book, allowing the story to unfold slowly to ensure that we build an understanding of his characters and setting. The plot of the novel is intricate, surprising at every turn, and often leaving the reader befuddled; however, Ruff never loses control of the story or his readers.
While the book is definitely a page-turner, it has its issues. The alternate personalities and diverse subplots within the book had the potential to become a big mess, but the author managed to keep the narrative flowing smoothly.
Some parts of the novel feel somewhat wordy, and could have been trimmed down without losing any essential nuances. Nevertheless, these minor flaws do not detract from the overall quality of the book.
Set This House in Order will appeal to a diverse audience. For science fiction fans, the story takes you on a journey to a surreal world where imagination has become reality.
For thriller enthusiasts, Ruff provides a gripping, engaging story full of twists and turns that will keep readers guessing until the final pages. And for those interested in psychology or human nature, the novel offers an insightful look into the complexities of mental illness and the way humans deal with trauma.
In conclusion, Set This House in Order is an extraordinary novel that offers something for everyone. It is Matt Ruff at his best: imaginative, engaging, and thought-provoking.
Despite its minor issues, it is a memorable read that will remain with you long after reaching the last page. Washington Post gives it a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
