A Lesson in Judgement from the Past
In the biblical story where Jesus is challenged to judge a woman accused of adultery, he responds with profound wisdom: “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.” This statement disarms the accusers, teaching a valuable lesson on mercy and judgment. It suggests that one should not be quick to condemn others.
Critical Reviews: Insight or Injury?
The intriguing and highly relevant debut novel by Charlotte Runcie, a seasoned arts journalist, delves into the complexities of critical reviews. The story begins with a provocative question: Is giving a one-star review an act of cruelty akin to throwing the first stone? This question becomes even more charged when considering the dynamics between a male reviewer and a female artist. Runcie’s inspiration for the novel sprang from her own experiences as a young intern when she faced public criticism from a prominent comedian after she wrote a negative review of his performance.
Alex Lyons, a notorious theatre critic known for his ruthless reviews, finds himself at the Edinburgh fringe festival, enduring a one-woman show by Hayley Sinclair. Hayley’s performance, which passionately addresses issues like the climate crisis and patriarchy, fails to impress Alex. Disenchanted, Alex concludes that the world might as well end if it meant the end of such performances. Soon after, he writes a devastating one-star review of her show.
Following this, a chance meeting at a bar leads Alex to invite an emotionally drained Hayley back to his flat, which he shares with another journalist, Sophie Ridgen. The next morning, Hayley discovers the harsh critique Alex wrote about her. The situation escalates when she confronts him with his own scathing words, leading to an awkward and tense encounter.
The Consequences of Criticism
The incident sets off a chain of events, making the novel a delightful read filled with sharp wit and engaging plot twists. The story cleverly intertwines a narrative about the #MeToo movement with a romantic subplot, alongside a tale of public shaming that turns the tables on Alex. In an ironic twist, Hayley transforms her show into “The Alex Lyons Experience,” critiquing Alex’s life and inviting others to share their grievances about men similar to him. This new show quickly becomes a sensation, catapulting Hayley to stardom while simultaneously spotlighting Alex’s questionable actions.
The novel also reflects on our current social media-driven culture where everyone is quick to judge and rate others. At one point, Sophie contemplates her participation in this relentless cycle of judgment during a festival party, illustrated by a customer feedback device demanding a simple, binary rating of the bar’s service.
Ultimately, the novel questions whether we should embrace a more forgiving approach, much like the lesson from the biblical story mentioned earlier. In a world eager to criticize and condemn, perhaps there is value in restraint and compassion.
Toby Litt, who heads the Creative Writing program at the University of Southampton, provides insights into “Bring the House Down” by Charlotte Runcie, available for purchase at Borough (£16.99). To support the Guardian, you can order your copy at guardianbookshop.com, though delivery charges may apply.
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Fatima Clarke is a seasoned health reporter who bridges medical science with human stories. She writes with compassion, precision, and a drive to inform.
