Sophie Robinson's Lotion is evocative and challenging, an extended poetics/prose intersection that explores identity, discomfort, and the texture of human emotions. Part of the limited chapbook print run via Bad Press, it's a visceral work that no reader of innovative contemporary writing should miss. In this article, readers will find some important aspects of the novel Lotion, describing its themes, style, and the impression it leaves on its readers.
At the heart of Lotion is a fragmented identity. Robinson's writing captures the fluidity of the self in all the unstable, multiple identities carried by every person. Often, the text reads like stream-of-consciousness writing, with disjointed phrases and scattered thoughts representative of fragmented modern identity. It's the equivalent of what this individual tries to do with the self while living in a world demanding coherence and consistency. Robinson cuts language into pieces in order for the reader to more easily swallow the disjointed, chaotic parts that make up an identity and, more importantly, an understanding of the self.
Robinson's Lotion wears no emotional filter. A level of discomfort, at once physical and emotional, tempers this work, whose concern with the corporeal detours through quintessentially uncomfortable realities of body and mind. The title itself, Lotion, suggests a soothing substance that can further irritate skin, much like emotions. Writing becomes visceral as it pulls the reader into a world where pain and relief exist in close proximity. That constant flux between comfort and discomfort is altogether made raw. The raw capturing of the human experience that Robinson brings to Lotion creates an incredible exploration into the depth of emotion.
Another salient feature of Lotion is the experimental nature of its form. Robinson plays with the language, structure, and format to create a text that eludes conventional thought from traditional literary works. It contains fragmented sentences, abrupt transitions, and a nonlinear narrative that all interact to create a disorienting immersive experience for anyone who reads Lotion. This is an experimental approach that not only reflects the fragmented nature of identity but challenges the expectations of what poetry and prose can be. The fact that Robinson is willing to push form and content boundaries makes Lotion a significant contribution to contemporary literature.
Lotion's themes permeate modern discourses related to identity, mental health, and the body. In these times, when discourses on fluidity in gendered constructs, mental health issues, and bodily autonomy have gained centre stage, Robinson has something important to contribute to the discussions. The text is fragmented, raw, and experimental, mirroring the complexities and nuances of those discussions. These features make Lotion a work of literary value as much as a cultural artefact.
Sophie Robinson's Lotion is a demanding text but a rewarding one for those readers who put up with it. If a work has ever investigated fragmented identity, raw emotion, and bodily unease, then this goes a long way to lay bare some profound and sometimes disturbing insight into the human experience. Its form an experiment, Lotion extends the possibility to what literature can achieve; hence, it is a vital piece for readers and scholars interested in the evolution of contemporary literary expression. The way Robinson is able to give evidence of identity and emotion in such a raw and fragmented manner is sure to leave readers with a lasting impression of Lotion.
