Beta Vulgaris
books by Margie Sarsfield
A young woman’s seasonal job takes a dark, surreal turn in this vivid and surprising debut.When Elise and her boyfriend, Tom, set off for Minnesota, all she knows about harvesting sugar beets (Beta vulgaris) is that her paycheck will cover a few months’ rent on their Brooklyn apartment. She’ll try anything to escape the incessant debt collection calls—and chronic anxieties about her body and her relationship. But as the grueling graveyard shifts set in, Elise notices strange threatening texts, a mysterious rash, a string of disappearances from the workers’ campsite, and snatches of a hypnotic voice coming from the beet pile itself.As crewmembers vanish, Elise obsesses over Tom’s closeness with their charismatic coworker Cee and falls back on self-destructive patterns of disordered eating and dissociation. Against the horrors of her uncertain future, is the siren song of the beet pile almost . . . appealing? Biting and eerie, Beta Vulgaris harnesses an audacious premise to undermine straightforward narratives of class, trauma, consumption, and redemption. The narrative demonstrates how simplicity can be effective when handled with care. By prioritizing clarity and intention, the author creates a story that feels accessible without losing depth. This balance appeals to a wide range of readers. The author’s writing style demonstrates consistency, helping readers remain comfortable and engaged from beginning to end. A steady tone and clear structure allow the narrative to flow naturally, making it easy to remain immersed in the story.