Money changes hands. People are hurt. Lives are forever changed. The narrative turns suddenly into a dizzying deluge of moral dilemmas and ethical quandaries, compelling readers to confront the unsettling reality of sacrificing integrity for personal gain
At first glance, Kiley Reid’s “Come & Get It” is the quintessential campus novel. Agatha arrives to Fayetteville, Arkansas, still nursing the wounds of a particularly messy break up.
It’s very clear she views her sojourn to Arkansas and subsequent adjunct teaching position at the University of Arkansas as fun and quirky: a story she’ll tell at dinner parties for years to come; a break from real life.
That example illustrates how this book explores ideas of ownership and perspective. It is revealed that Agatha went on a camping trip to Arkansas once as an adolescent. It’s clear that this trip alone left Agatha with a misplaced sense of understanding of Arkansas as a whole.
The Arkansas that exists in her memory from her perspective is the only real Arkansas to her. Reid does not shy away from addressing ideas of consumerism and the broad sense of ownership that comes along with it. In a world as consumerist as ours, a sense of understanding or unique perspective on a topic can feel like ownership.
When Agatha, who is also an accomplished writer, reaches out to a colleague about interviewing students for her new book, she’s connected with Millie, a student resident assistant. This simple connection leads to a whirlwind of deceit and indiscretion.
Money changes hands. People are hurt. Lives are forever changed. The narrative turns suddenly into a dizzying deluge of moral dilemmas and ethical quandaries, compelling readers to confront the unsettling reality of sacrificing integrity for personal gain.
The gaggle of college girls that enter the cast around this time are indispensable to the story. They are the perfect microcosm of Southern campus life in the 2010s and possibly of society as a whole if you think about it long enough. This book has a tendency to wander into the intricacies of each character, sometimes further than what seems necessary. I found this documentaryesque quality important to the plot but also downright juicy.
Reid’s adept handling of intersectionality adds depth and nuance to this story. By portraying characters from diverse backgrounds and experiences, she illustrates the intersecting oppressions and privileges that shape their lives. Through their interactions and struggles, Reid illuminates the interconnected nature of systems of power and the ways in which they manifest in individuals’ lives.
Aside from her thematic exploration, Reid’s writing style captivates readers with its sharp wit and acute observations. Her prose is both engaging and casual, drawing readers into the lives of her characters and immersing them in the world she has created. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for crafting authentic dialogue, Reid brings her characters to life on the page, making their triumphs and tribulations feel personal.
The picture Reid paints is one of rampant consumerism, classism, judgment and desire. Everything that happens in this book seems to be rooted in the idea of “I want that” and “How do it get it?” The answer might be money, social currency or little pieces of your integrity. How much are these characters willing to sacrifice to get what they want? Some will give all. Some will give a little. Some won’t give a second thought.
“Come and Get It” is a smooth but thrilling roller coaster ride that skirts deftly through issues of class and intersectionality while subtly begging the reader to consider the deep roots of consumerism in our society and how they color every aspect of our lives, offering a compelling narrative for readers intrigued by societal critique and nuanced character exploration.
— Amanda Minor is a librarian based in rural Arkansas. She is an avid reader of many genres.