BOOK REVIEW: MULTIPLE CHOICE
Multiple Choice by Alejandro Zambra is an unconventional take on the awkwardness of meeting an old acquaintance in the elevator, as told uniquely through the format of a multiple choice test. Through this, it demonstrates the fine art of short story writing and lets off with an incredible awareness in readers.
The stylistic writing decisions are the most exciting parts of the story, which is alluded to in the title Multiple Choice. The entire story is written as a writing exercise in an examination (like the writing section of the SAT). The passage begins with instructions: to read the passage and determine which paragraphs “do not add to the text or are unrelated.” Each of the 15 chapters are numbered. The passage ends with five answer choices, and all fifteen chapters are written as option E.
The narrator begins by informing us about the rudeness of saying hello to someone in an elevator; this is a widely accepted custom in Chilean society. But when the narrator steps into an elevator, he encounters a girl named Rocio who he remembers from his childhood. This makes the unnamed narrator extremely uncomfortable, following the rules of no greeting, but at the same time reminiscing on their childhood memories together.
How often have you come across an old friend from the past who you wanted to greet, from a simple hello to an embrace, or to even a slight nod of understanding? It’s often sheer luck or coincidence, like some mysterious outside force wanting you both to connect again. Reality often results in confusion, memories swirling around, and more awkwardness. You want to say something, but your words get swallowed down your mouth. Then, the moment is over.
At least, that’s what happens to the narrator. He looks at her and remembers the time in primary school when the eight-year-old versions of themselves made out, kid style, in the bathroom. A teacher resorted to public humiliation for punishment, bringing the narrator and Rocio to the playground. They looked into each other’s eyes, holding hands, being laughed at by the rest of the school for 15 minutes. The memory was so jarring for the narrator that he states 15 minutes were never spent that way again, reinforcing his shock of seeing a grown-up Rocio in the elevator.
The narrator and Rocio hug two corners of the elevator and they can’t be further apart with a third stranger in the background. The narrator repeatedly enforces the Chilean rule of banned hellos, which makes me think that he really wanted to say hello. This sort of dissonance plays a major theme in the story: society versus self. Society may prevent us from doing things, but that doesn’t mean things don’t happen. It’s a matter of not acting on your feelings and emotions.
The narration ends with him relaying the experience to some of his foreign friends at a dinner. They touch upon weird conventions present in their own countries and end up competing to see who inhabits the “worst” country. As we become more accepting and inclusive in our global world, it is hilarious to see how many people have such distaste for the countries they live in.
The thrilling unreliability of the narration enforces the subjective nature of Rocio’s experience. It allows readers to decide if the narrator is actually correct in his interpretation of Chilean social customs. After all, readers are coming from diverse backgrounds, so what is true to him may not be to them. This is elaborated by phrases his friends say in the ending: “Everyone fakes their absence,” and “They don’t [say hello] in my country either.” We can interpret the story by determining the social customs present in our countries and how they dictate our experiences.
Anytime you’re on a commute, waiting for class, or have a few extra minutes on hand, you can pull up the book online. It’s a very short, entertaining read that perfectly sums up what you’re thinking when you see someone from the past.