In the concise yet intricately woven narrative of Study for Obedience, we are introduced to an enigmatic and unnamed narrator who stands as the central figure of this brief novel. The story revolves around her profound sense of alienation and disconnection from her environment.
The novel kicks off with the narrator reflecting on her life and experiences, revealing that she is the youngest in a large family of siblings. Throughout her life, she has strived to fit in and please others, which has seemingly shaped her identity. She studied German and Italian at university, excelling in both languages and earning praise from her professors. However, despite her linguistic prowess, she hasn’t managed to secure substantial employment and instead works remotely as a typist for a law firm.
The narrative takes a pivotal turn as the narrator moves in with her older brother, the eldest in the family. This transition necessitates her relocation to a remote village, initially intended to be a six-month stay, but her brother repeatedly extends her visit. Her brother’s house is nestled in this secluded village, and her arrival coincides with his wife and children leaving him for Italy due to undisclosed reasons. He informs her of an impending business-related absence and entrusts her with everyday responsibilities, a role she’s accustomed to since she has been caring for her older siblings, both emotionally and physically, since childhood.
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