theguardian.com
Haunted Rental: A Novel Explores Anxieties of London's Housing Crisis
Róisín Lanigan's "I Want to Go Home But I'm Already There" follows Áine and Elliot as they move into a seemingly undesirable London rental, exploring Áine's growing unease and the psychic toll of renting in a gentrified city, contrasting with Elliot's dismissive attitude.
- What anxieties of renting and the housing crisis in London does Lanigan's novel highlight?
- Róisín Lanigan's debut novel, "I Want to Go Home But I'm Already There," follows Áine and Elliot as they move into a London rental. Áine feels unnerved by the flat, while Elliot dismisses her concerns. The novel explores the anxieties of renting and the psychic toll it takes on its characters.
- How does the novel use the supernatural elements to explore themes of cultural dislocation and class?
- The novel uses the familiar trope of a haunted house to explore the anxieties of the rental market, specifically in gentrified London. Áine's unease reflects the precariousness of her situation and the lack of control renters often feel. The ghostly elements symbolize the pervasive anxieties of modern life in a competitive housing market.
- What is the significance of the unresolved ambiguity surrounding the supernatural events in the novel, and how does this ambiguity contribute to its overall message?
- Lanigan's novel subtly critiques the classist and xenophobic dismissal of Áine's concerns by her partner. The ambiguity around the source of Áine's fear leaves the reader to consider the very real anxieties of renting, the psychological impact of housing insecurity, and the spiritual void in the lives of young adults.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The review frames the book as a commentary on the housing crisis and the anxieties of renting, emphasizing the social and economic aspects. While the supernatural elements are present, the review prioritizes the socio-political interpretation, potentially overshadowing other aspects of the narrative.
Language Bias
The reviewer uses evocative and subjective language ('genuinely eerie sense of dread', 'laughed out loud', 'got under my skin'), which while engaging, doesn't necessarily reflect objective assessment. However, there is no overtly loaded language that promotes a specific viewpoint.
Bias by Omission
The review focuses heavily on the author's background and personal experiences, potentially neglecting other critical reviews or perspectives on the book. There is no mention of the book's sales figures or its reception by a wider audience beyond the reviewer's opinion. While this is not necessarily biased, it limits the scope of the analysis.
False Dichotomy
The review presents a false dichotomy between 'ghost' and 'mental illness' as explanations for Áine's fears, neglecting other potential causes or interpretations. This simplification overlooks the complexities of both mental health and supernatural beliefs.
Gender Bias
The review highlights the dismissal of Áine's instincts by her male partner, Elliot. While this points to a common trope of female intuition being disregarded, it's not presented as a gender bias inherent to the book itself, but rather as a theme within the narrative.
Sustainable Development Goals
The novel highlights the struggles faced by young adults in the London housing market, specifically focusing on the inequality inherent in the rental system. The narrative emphasizes the financial strain, lack of security, and psychological toll of renting, connecting directly to SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, which aims to reduce inequality within and among countries. The author's satirical portrayal of the housing market exposes the systemic issues that disproportionately affect certain segments of the population, contributing to a deeper understanding and potential solutions for creating more equitable housing systems.