Writing is not therapy - it’s more like wallowing: Tony Tulathimutte
Tony Tulathimutte discusses his book *Rejection*, a collection of interlinked stories exploring themes of alienation, shame, and internet culture through exaggerated, satirical portrayals of characters grappling with various forms of rejection. He rejects the idea that writing is therapeutic, likening it instead to wallowing, and emphasizes the inevitability of rejection in life and art. The book has sparked strong reactions for its graphic content and unflinching look at dark psychological states. Despite its challenging themes, *Rejection* has found broad resonance, reflecting contemporary anxieties around identity, connection, and self-worth.
- ▪Tony Tulathimutte's book *Rejection* is a collection of interlinked stories that examine romantic, creative, professional, and sexual rejection through extreme character studies.
- ▪Tulathimutte describes writing not as therapy but as 'wallowing,' and views rejection as an unavoidable feature of life tied to where one places their self-worth.
- ▪The book includes controversial stories like 'The Feminist' and 'Ahegao,' which use satire to explore incel culture, performative activism, and repressed desire.
- ▪Rejection began as a mix of fiction and experimental nonfiction before evolving into its final form, retaining a chimerical quality from early drafts.
- ▪The book ends with a metafictional rejection letter, positioning the author as the final casualty of rejection and preempting critical responses to the work.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Sydney Morning Herald.
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