Bookworm: A Novel
“Imagine if Patricia Highsmith had written The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and instead of heroic daydreams she gave her protagonist murderous ones—that would be Bookworm. Robin Yeatman’s story is subversive, surprising, and satisfying in a way that only the best comic noir can be.”—Claire Oshetsky, author of Chouette *** A wickedly funny debut novel—a black comedy with a generous heart that explores the power of imagination and reading—about a woman who tries to use fiction to find her way to happiness. Victoria is unhappily married to an ambitious and controlling lawyer consumed with his career. Burdened with overbearing in-laws, a boring dead-end job she can’t seem to leave, and a best friend who doesn’t seem to understand her, Victoria finds solace from the daily grind in her beloved books and the stories she makes up in her head. One day, in a favorite café, she notices an attractive man reading the same talked-about bestselling novel that she is reading. A woman yearning for her own happy ending, Victoria is sure it’s fate. The handsome book lover must be her soul mate. There’s only one small problem. Victoria is already married. Frustrated, and desperate to change her life, Victoria retreats to the dark places in her mind and thinks back to all the stories she’s ever read in hopes of finding a solution. She begins to fantasize about nocturnal trysts with café man, and imaginative ways (poisoned pickles were an inspired choice in Jane Smiley’s A Thousand Acres) of getting rid of the dread husband. It’s all just harmless fantasy born of Victoria’s fevered imagination and her books—until, one night, fiction and reality blur and suddenly it seems Victoria is about to get everything she’s wished for...
A Noir Journey into the Dark Alleys of Imagination
In her debut novel, "Bookworm," Robin Yeatman concocts a wickedly funny and subversive narrative that explores the intricate dance between fiction and reality. With a touch of Patricia Highsmith's sinister charm and the whimsical imagination reminiscent of Walter Mitty, Yeatman weaves a tale that is both hilarious and unsettling.
The protagonist, Victoria, trapped in an unfulfilling marriage to an overbearing lawyer, seeks refuge in the worlds created by her beloved books and the vivid stories she conjures in her mind. The novel takes an unexpected turn when Victoria stumbles upon an attractive stranger reading the same bestselling novel in a café. Convinced that fate has intervened, she envisions him as the key to her elusive happiness.
The twist? Victoria is already married.
As frustration mounts and desperation sets in, Victoria's imaginative escapades take a dark turn. She retreats into the recesses of her mind, drawing inspiration from the tales she's devoured over the years. Fantasies of clandestine encounters with the café stranger and creative schemes, including the memorable "poisoned pickles" from Jane Smiley's "A Thousand Acres," fill her thoughts.
What begins as harmless daydreams soon teeters on the edge of reality. In a thrilling twist, the boundaries between fiction and the tangible blur, and Victoria finds herself on the precipice of obtaining everything she's yearned for.
Yeatman's narrative is a rollercoaster ride through the psyche of a woman caught between the mundane and the extraordinary. The prose is laced with dark humor, and the pacing keeps readers on the edge of their seats, wondering just how far Victoria's imagination will take her. The author's exploration of the power of storytelling and its impact on an individual's perception of reality is both thought-provoking and entertaining.
"Bookworm" is a black comedy with a generous heart, inviting readers to question the fine line between fiction and reality. Yeatman's clever narrative and sharp wit make this novel a compelling read for those who enjoy a unique blend of humor, suspense, and the unpredictable twists that arise when one's imagination takes control.
Claire Oshetsky, author of "Chouette," aptly describes "Bookworm" as a work that channels the spirit of Patricia Highsmith into the realm of daydreams gone awry. Yeatman's debut is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the unforeseen consequences of allowing one's imagination to run wild.
In conclusion, "Bookworm" is a captivating journey into the labyrinth of the human mind, where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur, leaving readers questioning the nature of their own daydreams.
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By Platt, Christine, Greene, Catherine Wigginton (Paperback)
Robin Yeatman, Author 
A Literary Voyager from Vancouver
Robin Yeatman, an unapologetic bookworm, draws her literary inspiration from the scenic landscapes of Canada, with roots in Calgary and a heart firmly planted in Vancouver, British Columbia. Educated in the realms of literature and journalism, Yeatman has crafted a multifaceted journey that weaves through radio production, a love for words, and the recent accomplishment of her debut book, "Bookworm."
Early Years: Born in Calgary, Alberta, Robin's formative years were primarily spent in Vancouver. Her intellectual curiosity ignited at a young age, as she delved into the world of literature. Attending a French Immersion school added linguistic diversity to her growing arsenal of skills, setting the stage for a future immersed in the power of words.
Educational Pursuits: A deep dive into English Literature at the University of British Columbia marked the beginning of Robin's academic journey. During this time, she also contributed as an arts critic for The Ubyssey, showcasing an early inclination towards literary analysis. The pursuit of knowledge took her across the pond to Lancaster University in England, where she continued to refine her literary insights.
Broadcast Journalism and Radio Production: Equipped with a Diploma in Broadcast Journalism from the British Columbia Institute of Technology, Robin ventured into the dynamic world of radio. Her mornings were spent orchestrating the captivating symphony of radio shows as a morning show producer. This period not only honed her journalistic skills but also provided a unique platform to infuse creativity into the airwaves.
Literary Passion and Bookworm Beginnings: The roots of Robin's literary passion trace back to her childhood, where she discovered the enchanting world of books at the tender age of three. A voracious reader, she began crafting stories from an early age, completing her first novel at the remarkable age of twelve. Her debut book, aptly titled "Bookworm," is a testament to her enduring love affair with literature.
Writing Journey: Robin Yeatman's writing journey led her to the Iowa Summer Writing Festival, where early drafts of "Bookworm" took shape. Undeterred by the demands of life, she dedicated herself to the craft, often finding solace in early morning writing sessions or stealing moments during the day to nurture her creative endeavors.
Montreal and Return to Vancouver: Having spent a significant chapter of her life in Montreal, Robin recently made her way back to the picturesque landscapes of Vancouver. This return marks a homecoming for the literary enthusiast, bringing her full circle to the city where her journey with words began.
Follow Robin Yeatman's literary adventures on her website robinyeatman.com and catch her insights on Twitter @robin_yeatman. As she continues to explore the boundless realms of literature, Robin remains a beacon for those who find solace and inspiration in the written word.
Unhappily married to a controlling bore, suffocating in-laws, a best friend that to the core doesn’t understand her, and an unfulfilling job at a spa- where else is Victoria Cavanagh to escape? Like many of us, books are the perfect way to travel outside her life, if even for just a few stolen moments.
While reading a popular best-seller at her favorite cafe, she spots an attractive man reading the exact same book (which ends up being a long, insufferable story- we’ve all read one of those, right?) She’s immediately convinced he’s her soul mate, and begins fantasizing about her escape from the life that traps her.
It’s all harmless though, until it isn’t! Her very vivid imaginations start to feel very real. When fiction and reality blur, she gets exactly what she’s hoped for (or so it would seem).
With brilliant book references throughout, this is truly a bookworm’s delight. While modern, it has a nostalgic feel to it that I really enjoyed. It leaves you asking if our realities can ever live up to the fantasies we create. A fantastic debut!
In the end, I do not care about the dead person, his killer, or anyone else. They are all horrible people who should not have their story told and I was glad when the book was over.
One day while sitting in her favorite coffee shop, reading a book she absolutely detests, she notices a man who is reading the same book she is! It has to be fate, right? This man is her soul mate and she can’t stop thinking about him. That is, when she isn’t thinking about ways her husband should suddenly and tragically meet his doom. She even goes so far as to tamper with his vehicle. There isn’t a whole lot about Victoria that I found likeable and she is seriously several sandwiches short of a picnic. However, I also felt a lot of pity for her. Her parents adore her husband. He’s the model example of the child they wish they had, instead of Victoria. They even maneuvered the two of them together, so I guess you could say theirs is an arranged marriage. A very solid pre-nup agreement would leave Victoria with nothing more than the clothes on her back if she should ever leave, so here she is drifting through life, making chicken dinners of various varieties and imagining her husband dead, in quite creative ways.
I don’t want to say too much without giving away the plot, but I will say I was dreading just how far Victoria would go with her fantasy life, not just with her husband, but also with her café crush, Luke. None of these characters are likeable or relatable, but I couldn’t look away. What is Victoria going to do? For most of the book, I wanted to shake her and slap some sense into her.
I enjoyed this book and I was highly anticipating what would happen. There were some unexpected surprises, some laugh out loud moments and some great twists. Bookworm is Robin Yeatman’s debut book and I will be on the lookout for her next book.
My Final Verdict: This book does not end with the happily ever after Victoria was yearning for, but that’s life, isn’t it? The takeaway for me after reading this book is we have a choice every day to be happy or to be unhappy and we have the power to change or fix what’s lacking. I don’t think Victoria would know how to choose happiness even if it showed up with a gold embossed invitation. I recommend this book to readers who like to be surprised and entertained and don’t mind if the characters have no moral compass.
On her days off and in the evenings after work, she reads at a favorite cafe or while Eric binges on movies and TV, and daydreams about escaping her marriage, not in the nicest way. She knows her limitations, though, realizing that most of her fantasies are outside of possibility. Oh, and there's astral traveling, too, when she can manage it! I enjoyed Victoria's imaginative -- or are they? -- stories about the people she watches and her escape fantasies, and I couldn't wait to see where the author was taking her! Will she be satisfied?
This story is told so smoothly! I look forward to reading more by this author.
Victoria is basically stuck in what can only be described as an arranged marriage to Eric, who’s trying to make at the law firm he works at. Victoria, on the other hand, works 4 days a week at a spa. She loves to read and one day she falls madly in love with a man she sees sitting on the opposite side of a cove shop she frequents. After that, her imagination starts running wild. She starts imagining ways in which her husband dies and starts visiting her new love at his apartment while she sleeps. Astral projection is the best way to describe her night time strolls.
The ending left me just flabbergasted. Like, wtf did she do?! Rad at your own peril!
