Exploring Identity and Performance in Isabel Waidner's *As If*

Isabel Waidner's novel *As If* delves into themes of identity, performance, and the precariousness of existence through the intertwined lives of two doppelgängers, Aubrey Lewis and Lindsey Korine. Set against the backdrop of London's Clerkenwell, the narrative unfolds as both characters navigate their shared experiences and personal struggles, reflecting on the nature of self and the roles they play in society.

The Guardian

Aubrey Lewis, a former actor grappling with the aftermath of his wife Laurie’s death from cancer, has been living in a flat for two years. His life takes a turn when he encounters Lindsey Korine, who bears an uncanny resemblance to him, both in appearance and backstory. Korine, a self-identified “house husband,” has abandoned his own family, which includes a wife named Laurie who has survived cancer, and a small child. The two men engage in a cat-and-mouse game, with Lewis eventually stepping into the role of a surrogate father for Korine's family while Korine impersonates Lewis during a challenging audition.

The Guardian

The narrative is enriched by the presence of Lucien Jelley, a shadowy understudy who also resembles both men, suggesting that identity is fluid and multifaceted. Waidner employs a structure that allows Lewis and Korine to narrate alternating chapters, emphasizing their interconnectedness and the existential questions that arise from their mirrored lives.

The Guardian

Waidner's work is characterized by its exploration of performance, as encapsulated in Lewis's remark that “consistency is the death of good acting.” The novel's absurdist elements and anarchic dissonance serve to highlight the precariousness of both the characters' lives and the broader human experience. The Barbican underpass, a significant setting in the story, symbolizes dubious shelter and the search for stability amidst chaos.

The Guardian

The narrative's humor is tinged with poignancy, particularly in Lewis's interactions with Korine's child, who embodies the innocence and complexity of childhood emotions. Waidner's writing reflects a macabre relish for subverting authority, reminiscent of playwright Joe Orton, who inspired Lewis's initial foray into acting.

The Guardian

While Waidner's approach to storytelling has been praised for its humor and depth, some critics may argue that the surreal elements risk alienating readers who prefer more straightforward narratives. The juxtaposition of laughter and existential dread raises questions about the effectiveness of absurdism in conveying serious themes.

The Guardian

• “Consistency is the death of good acting,” — Aubrey Lewis, character in *As If*.

The Guardian

• “Were we ever to be seen together, I thought, we would reflect badly on each other.” — Aubrey Lewis, reflecting on his encounter with Lindsey Korine.

The Guardian

*As If* ultimately presents a complex tapestry of identity and performance, inviting readers to reflect on the roles they play in their own lives. Waidner's blend of humor and existential inquiry underscores the notion that, in the face of life's uncertainties, laughter may be one of the few responses available.

The Guardian