Book Blurb
Humdrum follows David, a lonely office worker whose life descends into chaos after his sister’s sudden death. As his grief deepens, he begins hearing voices urging him to seek revenge on those who ignored him. What begins as unsettling whispers spirals into a dark journey of hallucinations, paranoia, and violent retribution. A chilling exploration of isolation and unheeded despair, Humdrum is a psychological horror that reveals the terrifying consequences of a soul left unseen.
Overall Analysis of Humdrum
Humdrum by Mitchell Brockman is a psychological thriller about the severe and tragic mental decline of a cube jockey. The story is about David Clark—on the surface, a familiar archetype of corporatocracy—who initially appears to suffer from a persecution complex. This is an impressive debut novel that can be seen as a case study on the detrimental impact of social isolation combined with mental illness.
One thing I noticed right off the bat is that Brockman appears to have a thorough understanding of human behavior, and his depictions of David’s internal dialogue and interactions are very believable. I particularly found the juxtaposition between social perspectives impressive. Brockman gives the reader meticulous details of David’s declining psyche and social misinterpretations and contrasts them with the innocent, genuine, and well-meaning efforts of his concerned coworkers.
Working in an office atmosphere, myself, Brockman also captures the exuberant vs. silent labor culture of the workplace. Who is likely to receive the most accolades: the worker who brings cheer to the office or the unobtrusive, toiling stiff that is vital to the company’s continued operations?
Brockman creates a cast of unique characters with distinct personalities. However, I did not always find their motivations apparent, which is likely just a misinterpretation on my part. David’s coworkers seem immediately eager to sacrifice their time for David’s well being despite him having been a social outcast for most of his tenure with the company. Though, if it was made apparent how long he had been at the company, then perhaps it would be more believable.
One thing I think the author could have explored more was David’s past. We only get brief glimpses of his past, and it was difficult for me to interpret whether his declining mental state was a result of his environment or an inherited mental condition. His sharp decline into sociopathy might have been easier to comprehend if we were given more than those short-lived flashbacks, his role in the office, and his unexpected loss.
The plot of Humdrum isn’t necessarily unique. The reader may recognize similar stories being told through various media, but Brockman executes it expertly. The biggest surprise will be for those going into the book blind like I did. I was not entirely certain where the book was heading because the author—I assume purposefully— leaves the book blurb vague. An excellent choice, in my opinion.
Final Thoughts
Humdrum by Mitchell Brockman is quick to read, and his prose is clear and concise enough to enjoy at any pace or in any environment. Be prepared for a story that will take you on a wild ride during the second act. Based on first impressions, I believe Mitchell Brockman has the makings of a successful author if he keeps up the work. I found it a very well written debut novel, and while the plot may seem familiar, the book is conceptually strong in the way it details the inner machinations of a social pariah.
Comments