Machine Novel

Susan Steinberg's debut novel, Machine, is a haunting tale of guilt and blame following a tragic drowning. Known for her previous work Spectacle, which garnered a devoted following, Steinberg's latest book is a dazzling and innovative leap forward.

Set during a summer at the shore, Machine follows a group of teenagers from both the local community and wealthy out-of-town visitors. Steinberg skillfully captures the pressures and complexities of their world through a narrative voice that seamlessly transitions between collective and individual perspectives. The story unfolds as one girl grapples with the guilt of another girl's drowning, piecing together the events of that fateful night in an effort to understand and escape a similar fate. As she delves into the details of the tragedy and the unraveling of her own family, she comes to realize that no one, not even herself, is free from blame.

Steinberg's bold and daring style is evident in her use of semicolons to punctuate sentences filled with vivid imagery, juxtaposed with short, fast-paced lines that propel the narrative forward. This unconventional approach serves to intensify the impact of the story, which delves into themes of gender, class, privilege, and the fractured sense of self that emerges in the aftermath of trauma.

Machine is a relentless and powerful novel that challenges readers to confront difficult truths. Through Steinberg's sharp and incisive storytelling, the novel becomes a provocative exploration of identity, culpability, and the ways in which we shape our own narratives in the face of tragedy. It is a work that showcases Steinberg's unique voice and uncompromising vision, solidifying her position as a writer of extraordinary talent.

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