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Review: Theory & Practice by Michelle de Kretser

Finally a decent book from 2025, as I have had a streak of books from 2024-2025 that I haven’t really enjoyed.

I was drawn to this books central premise - what we believe in versus what our true desires and actions are actually centered around. There has been disconnect at times in my life, so to read a book that could help unpack this dilemma really drew me in.

While the protagonist navigates her education life along with being in a relationship with Kit, who is in a “deconstructed relationship�� with Olivia, the story permeates a lot of internal monologues that I really found searing, and cathartic. For example, there was a point at which she was being mean and difficult to her mother, and she knew it intellectually and morally, yet couldn’t stop herself from doing it. Or when she’d uncomfortably sit around with Olivia - noticing Olivia’s discomfort in not being able to ask point blank if the protagonist is sleeping with Kit - yet didn’t give her that aid that could have helped Olivia. These uncomfortable yet very real moments brighten this otherwise simple book.

Reason I am saying simple is because - I wish there was more of the former tone and voice and instead, a large chunk of the book can veer into safe spaces - which was tad bit frustrating.

Yet, given her age, and drawing parts of her own life in this book, I have to give credit - it was an absolute breath of fresh air. No moralism thrusted upon the readers, instead her inner voice as it would feel when she was younger. And where she is now.

The books ending encapsulated many years after, including demise of her mother and Olivia, is peppered with wisdom and care, that may at times feel cold, but feels real - you can’t always make meaning of things - even when they are difficult things. Best to just let it be. Which this book argues as the central principle- theory may veer off from practice- but the latter may sometimes benefit from being just that - practical.