Selling LipService
When it comes to exploring the nuances of communication in a futuristic, dystopian setting, few novels do it with as much poise and originality as Tammy Baikie's Selling LipService. Published in 2017 and set against the backdrop of a Johannesburg that is at once familiar and unnervingly altered, Baikie's novel is a tour-de-force of speculative fiction that deserves a place on the bookshelf of any reader interested in the interplay between language, identity, and society.
The premise of Selling LipService is deceptively simple: in a world where words have been commodified and trademarked, speaking freely is no longer a right but a privilege. The residents of this altered Johannesburg are confined to speaking only 'Franchise' words – a controlled vocabulary owned by companies. Failure to do so can result in hefty fines or worse, and this is where Baikie's protagonist, Dr. Elle Elude, finds herself entangled in a web of corporate intrigue and personal discovery.
Baikie's writing style is a perfect complement to the novel's theme. She crafts sentences with a precision that mirrors the constrained speech of her characters, while still painting a vivid picture of their world. The narrative is laced with a dry wit that both lightens the mood and sharpens the critique of a society where communication is regulated by capitalist interests. The wordplay is not just a stylistic choice but is key to the plot, as Elle's journey is one of linguistic as well as personal liberation.
As a character, Elle is richly drawn. She is a 'linguist intern' who has been rendered mute, navigating a society in which every word is an advertisement and silence is subversive. Baikie does an exceptional job of exploring Elle's internal world, her frustration, her yearning for authentic connection, and her growing defiance against the system that oppresses her. Elle's muteness becomes both a challenge and a source of strength, as she learns to communicate and connect with others in non-verbal ways, ultimately leading her to a deeper understanding of what it means to truly 'speak'.
The supporting cast of characters is equally interesting, from Elle's enigmatic mentor, Dr. Floris, to her fellow interns, each struggling in their own way with the constraints of a society that has turned language into a commodity. The relationships between the characters are complex and often fraught, reflecting the tensions of the world Baikie has created. These interactions serve to highlight the novel's central themes: the commodification of culture, the power dynamics inherent in language, and the human need for authentic, unmediated expression.
One of the most impressive aspects of Selling LipService is the world-building. Baikie has taken a concept – the trademarking of language – and built around it a fully-realized society that is both alien and eerily familiar. The level of detail in the settings, the social structures, and the technology is remarkable, making the reader's immersion into Elle's world complete. The Johannesburg of Selling LipService is a character in its own right, its landmarks and history recognizable yet transformed by the novel's premise in thought-provoking ways.
Thematically, Selling LipService is rich and multilayered. The novel explores the implications of language ownership on personal identity and social interaction. It examines the chilling effects of censorship and the commodification of culture. Through Elle's journey, Baikie also delves into the nature of resistance and the search for authenticity in a world dominated by corporate interests. These themes resonate with contemporary concerns about the influence of corporate power on our lives and the importance of protecting our ability to communicate freely.
For readers looking for a novel that combines a compelling narrative with thought-provoking commentary on language and society, Selling LipService is a must-read. Baikie's storytelling is engrossing, her prose is sharp, and her vision is both unique and unsettling. This book is a testament to the power of speculative fiction to reflect and critique the world we live in, and it leaves the reader with much to ponder long after the last page is turned.
In conclusion, Tammy Baikie's Selling LipService is not just an engaging work of speculative fiction; it's an insightful commentary on the power dynamics of language and the importance of authentic communication. It's a novel that challenges the reader to consider the value of their words and the freedoms that hinge on their ability to express themselves. For anyone interested in language, dystopian worlds, or just a well-told story, Selling LipService is an enlightening and captivating read that will linger in your thoughts and challenge your perceptions of the world around you.
