Book: Everything Under

"Everything Under" by Daisy Johnson is a haunting exploration of identity, change, and the intricate ties between past and present. Set against the mysterious canals of rural England, the novel follows Gretel, a lexicographer who has spent her life cataloguing words in an effort to bring order to chaos. Her seemingly structured life takes a dramatic turn when she embarks on a search for her long-lost mother, Sarah, who abandoned her years ago. The novel seamlessly weaves together elements of folklore and myth, particularly the Oedipus legend, as it delves into Sarah's enigmatic past filled with secrets and an ever-present sense of dread. With its lyrical prose and undercurrent of tension, "Everything Under" examines the fluid nature of language, memory, and gender, inviting readers to reconsider how stories shape reality. As Gretel navigates the shadowy waters of her childhood and the murky truths of her family’s history, Johnson crafts a compelling narrative about the things we inherit and the things we must claw our way through to understand who we truly are.