Exploring Memory and Absurdity in Etgar Keret’s "Autocorrect"
It’s time to face a universal truth: our memories often distort the past. Imagine an experience as a piece of clothing; memory is like that garment after numerous washes—colors fade, sizes shrink, and the original nostalgic scent has been replaced by the artificial fragrance of fabric softener. Giyora Shiro, a character in Etgar Keret’s latest collection, reflects on this while standing in line for the afterlife.
What a captivating beginning, right? The metaphor is both clever and a touch absurd, revealing itself not as a narrative device but as a character’s introspection. We meet Giyora, a character with an intriguing name, and with the wry phrase “may he rest in peace,” we also encounter the author behind the words.
David Mitchell once stated that great writing often carries a sense of humor, a trait that perfectly describes Keret’s short stories. He doesn’t always aim to make us laugh, but his writing is infused with a subtle, metaphysical wit that constantly keeps readers on their toes. As an absurdist and surrealist, Keret takes us on unexpected journeys within just a few paragraphs.
While some authors create expansive fictional universes, Keret opts for the opposite approach. Each story in his collection stands as its own universe, and the roughly 200 pages of "Autocorrect" present a multiverse of ideas. The stories shine like brilliant shards, each offering a unique perspective. For instance, in one story, a casual aside—“People, by the way, became extinct a short time later”—captures Keret’s signature style: the unexpected twist delivered with a nonchalant flair.
Keret’s stories often serve as thought experiments, exploring how ordinary people react to extraordinary circumstances. Consider this striking opening: “The world is about to end, and I’m eating olives. The original plan was pizza, but…” Or another scenario where someone names an asteroid after his wife just hours before it’s set to destroy Earth: “The birthday card Schliefer bought had a picture of a shooting star, with ‘Make A Wish’ written in gold letters.”
The collection starts with "A World Without Selfie Sticks," where the narrator finds himself angrily confronting a woman he mistakenly believes is his girlfriend, Deborah. Just a week prior, she had supposedly flown to Australia for her doctorate, and now she’s back without telling him. As it turns out, this Not-Deborah is a doppelganger from a parallel universe, part of a reality TV game show. Each contestant must identify a unique aspect of their world to win their way back home. I won’t spoil the ending, but it beautifully intertwines love and philosophical musings.
Another standout story, "A Dog for a Dog," presents a chilling narrative of the narrator and his brother seeking revenge after their dog is killed in a hit-and-run. This tale deftly navigates the complexities of Israeli-Palestinian tensions, offering a poignant yet balanced vignette filled with unease and complicity.
Keret’s stories also engage with contemporary themes, such as in "Strong Opinions on Burning Issues," which reflects the current sociopolitical climate, and "Outside," which captures the surreal aspects of life during COVID lockdowns. However, these narratives are more literary explorations than direct political statements, subtly challenging the notion that Israeli artists must produce overtly political work.
From whimsical takes on the afterlife to simulated realities with existential dilemmas, Keret’s range is impressive. "Director’s Cut" presents a biopic of an ordinary man, weaving in philosophical references, while exploring concepts like AI companions and time travel rebranded as weight loss.
Despite its broad scope, Keret’s prose—translated from Hebrew by Jessica Cohen and Sondra Silverston—remains grounded and relatable. His characters navigate the bewildering landscape of modern life, dealing with Tinder dates, Zoom calls, and unexpected losses. "Autocorrect" feels less like a single book and more like a collection of mini-stories, showcasing how much joy can be found in the art of short storytelling.
In conclusion, if you’re eager to dive into a world that challenges your perceptions and tickles your imagination, pick up Etgar Keret’s "Autocorrect." With its unique blend of humor, absurdity, and poignant reflections on memory and reality, this collection is a must-read.
Etgar Keret’s "Autocorrect," translated by Jessica Cohen and Sondra Silverston, is available for purchase from Granta at £14.99. Support independent booksellers by ordering your copy today!
