Socialist Realism

Written by Trisha Low

Narrated by Cindy Kay

When Trisha Low moves West, her journey is motivated by the need to arrive “somewhere better” — someplace utopian, like revolution; or safe, like home; or even clarifying, like identity. Instead, she faces the end of her relationships, a family whose values she has difficulty sharing, and America’s casual racism, sexism, and homophobia. In this book-length essay, the problem of how to account for one’s life comes to the fore — sliding unpredictably between memory, speculation, self-criticism, and art criticism, Low seeks answers that she knows she won’t find. Attempting to reconcile her desires with her radical politics, she asks: do our quests to fulfill our deepest wishes propel us forward, or keep us trapped in the rubble of our deteriorating world?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Everand Productions
• Release date: Dec 15, 2020
• ISBN: 9781094412788

Trisha Low

Trisha Low is the author of The Compleat Purge (Kenning Editions 2013). She earned a BA at the University of Pennsylvania and an MA in performance studies at New York University. She lives in the East Bay.

Reviews for Socialist Realism

[Agne · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I was expecting more personal and political exploration. This was just personal, with a sprinkle of politics for the sake of the title.

[angelalam-300700 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Brilliant! A book I wished I would have written. Low is a deep and thoughtful writer, and her essay will make you think, question, and reflect in unanticipated ways.

[reynag-379957 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

So this was an interesting read - this story is more of a journey/journal of the author Trisha Low. The story flips timelines with such ease that you feel as though you are in her mind. I was off kilter as I read this, the method of writing is very free flow but intentional - I really love how Trisha wove her experience with her love for art and film to balance out the narrative.A strong recommendation for those looking for a homestyle coming of age story.