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anusha_reads 's review for:
Peripathetic: Notes on (un)belonging
by Cher Tan
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
PERIPATHETIC, NOTES ON (UN)BELONGING TAN, LONGLISTED FOR STELLA PRIZE 2025
I was immensely thrilled when I was invited to read and review some of the longlisted titles by @thestellaprize. Here’s my first book review from the list!
Peripathetic is a nonfiction collection of nine essays, narrated in a nonlinear manner, that reads much like a memoir. Fragmented, fast-moving, and sharply critical of contemporary culture, the book defies conventional storytelling. Cher Tan masterfully captures fleeting moments and fluid ideas, refusing to conform to traditional writing structures. The essays centre on her personal experiences with identity, migration, and digital culture.
Cher Tan, an essayist, critic, and editor at Liminal magazine, was born and raised in Singapore and now resides in Melbourne. Peripathetic is her debut book. The title itself appears to be a deliberate neologism—possibly a fusion of PERIPATETIC (meaning constantly traveling) and PATHETIC, hinting at a restless intellectual journey marked by emotional and existential struggles.
Tan’s essays delve into the precarious nature of work, particularly the experiences of migrant workers. She critiques “shit jobs”—unstable, low-paying, and undervalued forms of labour that exploit workers. As an aspiring writer, she also reflects on the financial instability inherent in pursuing an intellectual career.
Witty yet complex, the book resonates with restlessness and defiance. Movement—both literal and metaphorical—is a recurring theme, explored through her migration, transient jobs, and personal struggles. She highlights issues of underpayment, job insecurity, and the undervaluation of labour.
Tan also examines internet trends, cancel culture, and digital media while addressing contemporary societal concerns. Her critique of capitalism is laced with sharp humour, and the book is filled with rhetorical questions that engage readers, expose contradictions, and mock uncertainties. At its core, Peripathetic explores the theme of (un)belonging.
If you enjoy short but deeply thought-provoking books, Peripathetic is a compelling read. A bold and sharp debut.
I was immensely thrilled when I was invited to read and review some of the longlisted titles by @thestellaprize. Here’s my first book review from the list!
Peripathetic is a nonfiction collection of nine essays, narrated in a nonlinear manner, that reads much like a memoir. Fragmented, fast-moving, and sharply critical of contemporary culture, the book defies conventional storytelling. Cher Tan masterfully captures fleeting moments and fluid ideas, refusing to conform to traditional writing structures. The essays centre on her personal experiences with identity, migration, and digital culture.
Cher Tan, an essayist, critic, and editor at Liminal magazine, was born and raised in Singapore and now resides in Melbourne. Peripathetic is her debut book. The title itself appears to be a deliberate neologism—possibly a fusion of PERIPATETIC (meaning constantly traveling) and PATHETIC, hinting at a restless intellectual journey marked by emotional and existential struggles.
Tan’s essays delve into the precarious nature of work, particularly the experiences of migrant workers. She critiques “shit jobs”—unstable, low-paying, and undervalued forms of labour that exploit workers. As an aspiring writer, she also reflects on the financial instability inherent in pursuing an intellectual career.
Witty yet complex, the book resonates with restlessness and defiance. Movement—both literal and metaphorical—is a recurring theme, explored through her migration, transient jobs, and personal struggles. She highlights issues of underpayment, job insecurity, and the undervaluation of labour.
Tan also examines internet trends, cancel culture, and digital media while addressing contemporary societal concerns. Her critique of capitalism is laced with sharp humour, and the book is filled with rhetorical questions that engage readers, expose contradictions, and mock uncertainties. At its core, Peripathetic explores the theme of (un)belonging.
If you enjoy short but deeply thought-provoking books, Peripathetic is a compelling read. A bold and sharp debut.