This debut novel is an interesting social commentary on the turbulent and increasingly saturated gig economy. Set on a backdrop of magical realism, Hilary Leichter, takes you on a bizarre yet strangely relatable journey on one woman’s quest for a permanent job.

We are introduced to a fantastical world where temps substitute every role imaginable – from being a barnacle to playing the role of mother. Through a temp agency, the nameless protagonist is placed in an almost endless stream of jobs, each one just as absurd as the other.

The novel is divided into sections, heightening the successive and volatile nature of her life. ne section is ‘City Work’, where she fills in as chairman for a company called Major Corp. In a strange turn of events, at the end of her placement, the chairman dies, and she carries his ashes around throughout the novel. In ‘Water Work’ she works aboard a pirate ship, where she navigates the hierarchical dynamics of work. In ‘Blood Work’ she works for an assassin called Carl, who religiously logs every kill in his journal. And in ‘Paper Work’ she works for a witch, handing out pamphlets.

Underpinning this narrative, is her love life, which involves a litany of boyfriends, all with their own purposes and qualities for varying needs in her life. In her attempt to belong and find connection, she throws herself into her jobs and her many relationships. Yet she questions her prospects.

This is very clever and well-written novel that provokes you to examine your own life and purpose.

Reviewed by Akina Hansen