Blob: A Love Story by Maggie Su – A Quirky Exploration of Companionship
There’s something irresistibly captivating about the idea of creating your own companion, even if that companion turns out to be a blob. I was instantly intrigued by Maggie Su’s Blob: A Love Story, and not just because of its quirky premise. In a world where loneliness can feel suffocating, the thought of moldable companionship spoke to that part of us yearning for connection. Violet Liu, our protagonist and reluctant creator, feels relatable from the very first page as she grapples with the messy realities of adulthood, love, and transformation.
Violet is a twenty-something who embodies the often awkward struggle of trying to find her place in the world. Having dropped out of biochemistry college, she finds herself in a lackluster job as a hotel receptionist, reduced to living in a somewhat dingy, flood-prone apartment below ground. Like many of us, she feels unlovable and burdensome, which adds a layer of authenticity to her character. The moment she adopts the amorphous blob she names Bob—"You’re real," she whispers—captures the essence of her desire to believe in something beyond herself. This heartfelt connection masked in humor and absurdity is the beating heart of the story.
Su’s writing is both engaging and clever, seamlessly blending humor with deeper emotional commentary. As Violet navigates her insecurities and flawed relationships, the pacing feels just right—a balance of introspection and quirky hijinks. The hints of pop culture references sprinkled throughout lend a charming relatability, transforming Bob’s blob-like existence into something delightfully absurd. There’s even a humorous parallel to The Rocky Horror Show when Violet learns to "mold" her creation, transforming it into a metaphor for her own growth.
One standout moment for me was when Violet wrestles with her self-doubt: “I could run out of my apartment barefoot, find a kind-looking stranger on the street and beg for their help.” In this moment, she is both desperate and hopeful, and it’s a testament to Su’s skillful exploration of what it truly means to grow—whether that involves personal metamorphosis or learning to accept oneself as imperfectly human.
Blob: A Love Story masterfully illustrates how we all harbor the potential to change, and it magnifies the common desire to mold those around us to fit our needs—sometimes with detrimental effects. Su invites us to laugh, reflect, and even cringe at Violet’s journey of self-discovery. In the end, as much as Bob is a quirky manifestation of Violet’s desires, it’s her transformation that truly inspires.
This novel would resonate with anyone who has felt adrift in an increasingly isolating world or those who have faced the daunting challenge of emotional vulnerability. For readers seeking humor intertwined with deep emotional currents, Blob: A Love Story is a delightful exploration worth diving into. Not only does it challenge our perceptions of relationships, but it also reminds us that, in many ways, we’re all kind of blobs—searching to find our place in this messy, beautiful life.
Having wrapped up this book, I find myself contemplating my own transformations and the connections I hold dear. It’s a read that stays with you, moving you to reflect on the blend of absurdity and depth that life—and love—can encompass.