Review: Detergent - Reid Mockery

Review: Detergent - Reid Mockery - December 2013

Reid Mockery’s *Detergent* is a vibrant and hilarious parody of Veronica Roth’s *Divergent*, and it might just be the most refreshing take on dystopian fiction since its original inception. From the very onset, readers are thrust into the absurd yet amusing world where Beverly Cryer, affectionately dubbed Vurl, must grapple with her upcoming faction choice. The stakes are indeed high: choose wisely or risk being branded a “Detergent” and doomed to a life of laundry duties. Luckily for us, Mockery expertly blends satire with a sprinkle of sharp wit, turning a popular narrative trope upside down.

The premise of Vurl’s story plays off the structure and motifs of *Divergent* while introducing a host of over-the-top elements that keep readers laughing from start to finish. The factions range from hilariously mundane to outright bizarre, each representative of different societal quirks that Mockery pokes fun at with an unrelenting zeal. Vurl’s journey of self-discovery is marred by ludicrous initiation rites and a cast of ludicrously exaggerated characters, including the irresistibly charming Number Two, who nearly steals the show with his seemingly endless supply of detergent-related puns.

While *Detergent* follows the overarching narrative of *Divergent*, it imbues each scene with an air of delightful absurdity that elevates the text from mere imitation to a refreshing commentary on the genre. Mockery’s sharp humor dissects the tropes often found in dystopian novels—such as hero’s self-sacrifice and romantic entanglements—while still celebrating what makes them so enjoyable. The pacing is snappy, and the jokes come at you fast and furious, ensuring that readers will not only chuckle but find themselves outright guffawing.

Mockery’s ability to build a world that feels familiar yet comically exaggerated allows readers to reflect on the original tale even while rolling in laughter. The sharp-tongued narration brings Vurl’s internal monologue to life, resonating with anyone who has ever faced the pressures of societal expectations. The revelation of Vurl’s "hidden skills" adds a delightful layer of ridiculousness, allowing for a satisfying narrative twist that mocks the seriousness with which such traits are often treated in dystopian literature.

In summary, Reid Mockery’s *Detergent* delivers a refreshing jolt to the saturated market of dystopian parodies. It’s an uproarious romp that both entertains and serves as a lighthearted critique of its predecessor. Whether you’re a die-hard *Divergent* fan or someone looking for an irreverent laugh, *Detergent* promises to clean up your reading list with its whimsical take on the genre.


Amazon: https://amzn.to/3NUIUSo