No One Is Talking About This, Patricia Lockwood’s debut book, provides a deep examination of the relationship between our virtual selves and real-world selves. The story is divided into two portions, each of which explores a different aspect of modern life.

The first section introduces viewers to an anonymous heroine who became well-known after a social media post went viral and who is engrossed in what she refers to as “the portal.” The fractured, aphoristic style used in this chapter reflects the frantic and frequently fragmented nature of online interaction. Lockwood expertly conveys the quirks and oddities of internet society, emphasizing its ability to be both humorous and detached. The transitory waves of internet conflicts and trends take over the protagonist’s life, making her doubt the sincerity and depth of these interactions.

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When the protagonist is faced with a family crisis—her sister’s child has been diagnosed with a serious illness—the story takes a dramatic turn in the second half. She is forced to reconsider her objectives and the shallowness of her online persona because of this real-life catastrophe. Reflecting the seriousness of the situation, the prose becomes more linear and reflective. The sharp contrast between the fleeting nature of virtual contacts and the profound depth of human suffering and personal relationships is highlighted by this shift. The protagonist’s virtual world is contrasted with the physical realities of life and death, as The Atlantic points out, leading to a reconsideration of what it means to be fully present.

Both a critique and a meditation on the internet’s ubiquitous impact on contemporary consciousness may be found in Lockwood’s book. Her sharp humour and command of language highlight the dichotomy of living in a society where people are both incredibly connected and incredibly alone. No One Is Talking About These challenges readers to consider the meaning of human connection in a time when virtual contacts predominate by contrasting the clamour of the digital world with the visceral immediacy of personal sorrow.

Essentially, Lockwood creates a story that is both current and timeless, asking readers to balance the transient appeal of the internet with the lasting value of interpersonal relationships. The intricacies of negotiating identity and meaning in the twenty-first century are demonstrated by her art.