literary gluttony

Hum by Helen Phillips is a novel that presents an intriguing premise but, at least for this reader, ultimately struggles to live up to its potential. The book weaves together elements of speculative fiction, psychological drama, and existential inquiry, all centered around a world where communication feels increasingly ambiguous and disconnected. While Phillips’ writing is undeniably lyrical and thoughtful, the novel often feels more like an intellectual exercise than an emotionally engaging narrative.

The story revolves around characters who grapple with a pervasive sense of alienation, with the titular “hum” serving as a metaphor for the underlying tension in their lives. Phillips’ prose, while elegant, can feel overly abstract at times, leaving the story somewhat distant and difficult to connect with. The shifting perspectives and fragmented structure contribute to an atmosphere of unease, but they also make it hard to fully immerse oneself in the characters’ emotional journeys.

The themes of isolation, disconnection, and the limits of communication are compelling, but the execution leaves much to be desired. While the novel explores these ideas with subtlety, the abstract nature of the narrative often made it feel more confusing than revelatory. There’s a sense that the book is trying to be profound, but the constant sense of ambiguity and the lack of clear resolutions made it hard to engage on a deeper level.

Hum offers plenty of food for thought, but the payoff feels somewhat elusive. The novel doesn’t provide many clear answers, and while that could be seen as part of its charm, for this reader it ultimately left a feeling of dissatisfaction. It’s a book that asks more questions than it answers, but at times, the lack of direction made it feel like the story was spinning in circles rather than moving toward something meaningful.

In the end, Hum might appeal to readers who enjoy abstract, philosophical fiction that prioritizes mood over plot, but for those seeking a more grounded or emotionally resonant narrative, it may fall short. Helen Phillips certainly displays skill as a writer, but in this case, the novel’s potential feels just out of reach, leaving behind a lingering sense of frustration rather than illumination.