Pew

Pew by Catherine Lacey, published by Granta Books in May 2021, is a literary work that explores the complexities of identity and community. The narrative begins one Sunday morning when a mysterious, silent figure is discovered sleeping in a church in an unnamed American town. Known only as ‘Pew,’ this amnesiac character prompts the congregants to grapple with questions about their identity, intentions, and the nature of their existence, leading to a profound examination of societal boundaries.

As the townspeople attempt to categorize Pew, they face moral dilemmas regarding how to respond to someone they cannot define. The story delves into themes of fear, belonging, and the human condition, revealing how Pew’s unsettling silence disrupts the community. This edition spans 207 pages and is presented in English, inviting readers to reflect on the broader implications of identity and the challenges of understanding those who exist outside societal norms.