Protege

In the grand tapestry of literary endeavours, few threads are as perplexing as “Protege” by Malcom MacPherson, a tome that raises more questions than it answers, much like a cat that stares at you while perched atop a pile of freshly laundered clothes. Released in the verdant year of 1984 by the slightly pretentious-sounding Golden Apple Publishers, this novel is as much a mystery as the fate of that last slice of cake at a family gathering.

Set against a backdrop that feels suspiciously like a poorly constructed cardboard stage, “Protege” is an exploration of mentorship, ambition, and the inexplicable urge to wear socks with sandals. While the story may not be the most coherent, it captures the essence of the 1980s—a period known for its questionable fashion choices and nostalgia for the past while simultaneously propelling us into the future, oftentimes with scant regard for logic or good sense.

Malcom MacPherson invites readers into a convoluted narrative that could be best described as a puzzle assembled with pieces from multiple jigsaw sets. Characters emerge, recede, and occasionally trip over their own existential crises like uncoordinated toddlers at a birthday party. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be a fly on the wall during a particularly protracted conversation about the significance of cheese in classical literature, then you might be in for a treat.

Prepare for a journey where the protagonist’s self-discovery is punctuated by the occasional awkward silence and a sprinkling of irony. As we follow their path, we encounter a delightful assortment of side characters that could only be described as the literary equivalent of that mysterious cousin you always avoid at family reunions. With dialogue that veers between the profound and the absurd, MacPherson gives us a glimpse into the minds of individuals who seem as confused as the reader, perhaps more so.

What truly makes “Protege” an enigma wrapped in a riddle is its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia for a time when books had the audacity to be both baffling and thought-provoking, often at the same time. The prose flows with a rhythm that is decidedly unique, leaving one to wonder if MacPherson was perhaps attempting to channel a particularly distracted Shakespeare or if he simply had a penchant for the experimental. Either way, readers will find themselves questioning their own decisions in life—chief among them, why they chose this book in the first place.

Condition: This second-hand marvel is used, which means it carries the stories of past readers within its pages—some smudged coffee stains, the occasional errant tear, and perhaps even the smell of musty libraries long gone. It’s a badge of honour, really, evidence that this book has seen the world, or at least the insides of a rickety old bookshelf. It’s perfect for those who enjoy the character of a well-loved book and the charm of its imperfections.

As you ponder whether you’re truly ready for a narrative that feels like a culinary experiment gone awry—where the ingredients include an overzealous mentor, a bewildered protege, and the inexplicable need for long-winded metaphors—you might find solace in the fact that “Protege” is undeniably a product of its era. It is a time capsule of sorts, capturing the disjointed spirit of the 1980s with all its eccentricities, much like an old mixtape that you can’t bring yourself to throw away.

So, if you’re in the mood for a book that feels like a crossword puzzle designed by a particularly mischievous raccoon, look no further than “Protege.” Available now at Crappy Old Books, where we celebrate the curious, the odd, and the downright perplexing in literature. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of literary history that might just make you question your own sanity—or at the very least, your taste in books.

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