Cassandra Neyenesch’s debut novel, 'A Little Bit Bad', offers a unique blend of tragicomedy and mystery, presenting a subversive narrative that explores themes of illicit romance, societal critique, and personal turmoil. The book introduces Perdita Jungfrau, a 39-year-old stay-at-home mother in San Diego who embarks on an unexpected affair with Nando, a 25-year-old roofer. This relationship unfolds against a backdrop of Perdita’s disillusionment with her life, her husband’s critical stance on her career choices, and the everyday challenges of motherhood.
The narrative structure of 'A Little Bit Bad' is particularly distinctive, running two parallel plot strands. One thread meticulously details the burgeoning and complex romance between Perdita and Nando, initiated after Nando suffers an accident on a neighbour's roof. The second, set a year later, delves into a murder mystery as Perdita attempts to solve Nando’s killing, intertwining her grief with her passion for true crime. This dual timeline allows Neyenesch to explore both the immediate, raw emotions of the affair and the profound, lasting impact of its tragic conclusion.
Comparisons have been drawn between 'A Little Bit Bad' and Miranda July’s successful novel, 'All Fours', particularly in their shared premise of a middle-aged Californian woman developing an intense attraction to a younger man and seeking an 'unleashed life'. However, Neyenesch’s work diverges significantly by focusing more intently on societal injustices and the structural violence inherent in cultural norms, rather than solely the biological and personal 'true self' of a woman in midlife. The novel critiques elements such as the military-industrial complex and the carceral system, questioning the privileging of the normative nuclear family.
Neyenesch’s writing is also characterised by its sharp humour and satirical edge. The protagonist, Perdita, is portrayed as a 'ferocious dork' with a knack for inappropriate behaviour, leading to many comic moments, such as her son's unusual biting habit. While the novel employs a smart, often detached humour, some critics note that this stylistic choice occasionally comes at the expense of deeper emotional resonance, with potentially serious moments being diffused by a witty narrative voice.
Ultimately, 'A Little Bit Bad' is lauded as a sparkling and subversive debut. It challenges conventional narratives of female desire and midlife crises, using its intricate plot and satirical tone to provoke thought on broader societal issues. The novel’s exploration of raw human relationships, coupled with its incisive social commentary, positions it as a significant new voice in contemporary fiction.