Woody Allen has made a significant literary debut at the age of 90 with his first novel, What’s with Baum?, published by Swift Press at a retail price of $39.99. Known for his unique voice in popular culture, Allen has spent more than seven decades in the public eye, transitioning from a teenage joke writer to a celebrated filmmaker and author. His latest work invites readers into the mind of a character that mirrors much of Allen’s own experiences.
The novel features Asher Baum, a writer who grapples with his identity and relevance in a world that seems to have moved on without him. Set against the backdrop of a rural Massachusetts life, Baum’s character navigates personal insecurities, professional setbacks, and familial tensions. The book serves as a reflection of Allen’s own struggles, particularly in light of controversies surrounding his career, including accusations made by his former partner, Mia Farrow, in 1992. Allen has consistently denied these allegations, providing an extended rebuttal in his 2020 autobiography, Apropos of Nothing.
Despite the backdrop of personal and professional turmoil, What’s with Baum? retains Allen’s characteristic humor and wit. The cover art, featuring Edvard Munch’s iconic figure from The Scream set in New York’s Central Park, encapsulates the protagonist’s existential angst. Allen’s ability to blend comedy with serious themes has always been a hallmark of his work, creating a distinctive narrative style that resonates with audiences.
The Autobiographical Undertones
Readers familiar with Allen’s oeuvre will recognize the autobiographical elements interwoven throughout the novel. Baum’s character is depicted as a middle-aged writer who is uprooted from his beloved Manhattan. He faces jealousy as he watches his stepson, Thane, achieve success with his debut novel. This dynamic echoes Allen’s own experiences in the literary and film industries, where he has faced both acclaim and criticism.
The novel explores Baum’s relationships, particularly with Thane and his wife, Constance. As tensions rise, Baum’s insecurities deepen, leading him to question his contributions to literature and his place in the world. The narrative unfolds with a distinctively comic lens, as Baum’s self-doubt often teeters into self-loathing. Allen captures this inner turmoil with a blend of humor and melancholy, providing a compelling study of a character grappling with age and legacy.
A Blend of Humor and Melancholy
The tone of What’s with Baum? reflects an overwhelming sense of melancholy, or weltschmerz, that permeates Baum’s outlook. He perceives himself as a “meaningless agglomeration of cells killing time between one abyss and another.” This introspective approach resonates with readers, particularly as they witness Baum’s fleeting moments of joy and connection, especially when he encounters Thane’s girlfriend, who bears a striking resemblance to his second wife, the love of his life.
Allen’s past works, such as the films Annie Hall and Manhattan, have often featured characters wrestling with similar existential questions. In the novel, Baum embodies the anxieties of a contemporary Everyman, navigating the absurdities of life while employing humor as his defense mechanism.
As readers delve into this latest narrative, they will find that although Allen’s voice remains distinct, the themes of vulnerability, aging, and the quest for understanding are universal. The novel, dedicated to his wife, Soon-Yi Previn, showcases Allen’s enduring ability to blend the personal with the comedic, reminding us that it’s never too late to share one’s story.
With a career that has spanned nearly 60 years, Woody Allen continues to captivate audiences, and What’s with Baum? serves as a testament to his resilience as a storyteller. Whether readers embrace the work or critique it, the novel undoubtedly adds another layer to Allen’s complex legacy in the world of literature and film.
