Bonnie Garmus has returned with a new novel, “Peck & Peck,” following the success of her debut, “Lessons in Chemistry.” While her first book combined science and feminism with accessible storytelling, her latest work explores the world of poetry, fonts, and literary publishing through the eyes of its protagonist, Batter Gray.
Set primarily during the 1970s and 1980s, “Peck & Peck” traces Batter’s journey from a small California town to the bustling literary scene of New York City. Born in 1957 to a history professor and a font designer, Batter develops an early passion for poetry, immersing himself in a wide range of works from classical to contemporary. Despite this dedication, he initially refrains from writing himself, a conflict that underpins much of his character’s development.
After leaving home for college on the East Coast, Batter experiences culture shock but benefits from the camaraderie of a wealthy roommate. Still uncertain about his direction, he drifts through various academic pursuits. Post-graduation, he relocates to New York City, where he endures the familiar challenges of low-paying jobs and substandard living conditions common to many newcomers during that era. Although Batter’s romantic relationship with a punk rocker is noted, the story largely bypasses the punk scene itself.
Central to the novel is Batter’s eventual employment at “Peck & Peck,” a prestigious poetry journal endowed with a dedicated staff and storied history. Batter begins as a copy editor with little chance of upward mobility and struggles with poor wages. However, his persistence and engagement with the literary world gradually earn him a place within the journal’s editorial ranks, where the workplace hierarchy is distinctly arranged by floor within an opulent office building.
The narrative introduces a large ensemble of characters, including thirty-nine editors known for their heated debates over poetic language and form. The journal’s leadership adds further complexity: once managed by twin brothers, the artistic twin has been imprisoned for embezzlement, while the remaining twin, now editor-in-chief, is described as volatile and demanding. Notably, the incarcerated twin clandestinely maintains a presence within the office, cultivating a surprising friendship with Batter.
While the novel is rich in plot developments and character interactions, critiques point to a lack of introspective depth in Batter’s portrayal. His motivations are often unclear, and his sporadic outbursts, though advantageous to his progress, are not fully contextualized for the reader. This choice adds a layer of ambiguity to his character, aligned with the story’s intricate web of relationships and secrets.
“Peck & Peck” paints an idealized version of the New York literary world, where diversity is embraced and architectural beauty abounds, creating a nostalgic ambiance that contrasts with the grittier realities of the period. Ultimately, the novel centers on Batter’s commitment to preserving the legacy of the poetry journal amidst the personal and professional upheavals surrounding him.
Garmus’s latest work continues her trend of integrating passion for specialized subjects—in this case poetry and publishing—into an engaging narrative that celebrates creativity and resilience.