If you’re yearning for a time when novels freely embraced humor, vulgarity, and the absurdities of life, then My Bags Are Big by Tibor Fischer is a must-read. Known for his candid critique of societal norms, Fischer stands apart in contemporary literature. While often compared to Martin Amis, he carries a distinct authenticity reminiscent of a very British Michel Houellebecq. Fischer’s narratives are shot through with genuine emotion, interlaced with a palpable sense of rage and absurdity.
Fischer burst onto the literary scene with his debut novel Under the Frog (1992), which depicted postwar Hungary as a blend of grotesques and hilarity. This set the stage for a career characterized by stories where plot serves as mere scaffolding for deeper philosophical ruminations. His works, including The Thought Gang (1994) about a philosopher-turned-bank-robber and The Collector Collector (1997), narrated by an ancient Sumerian pot, showcase his knack for the bizarre and profound. Other titles, like Voyage to the End of the Room (2003) and Good to Be God (2008), explore themes of isolation and the absurdity of ambition, while How to Rule the World (2018) cleverly critiques media culture.
The cast sounds like a Catford pub quiz team assembled by Dickens after a night on the Jägerbombs.
Set against the backdrop of Dubai’s extravagant illusions, My Bags Are Big presents a darkly comic critique of wealth and self-reinvention in a world dominated by cryptocurrency. However, to label it simply a “crypto novel” would be misleading; much like how Moby-Dick transcends its surface as a fishing manual, Fischer’s latest venture uses crypto as a lens to examine deeper human follies and failures.
The story’s narrator, Dan—a former sports manager who now resides in Dubai, living off his crypto earnings—embodies the messy complexities of modern life. Struggling with the loss of his wife, he delivers poignant observations on the façade of societal interactions, noting, “So much of life is pretence. Pretending you want that job. That you like people…” This line encapsulates the emotional depth Fischer is known for; beneath the humor lies a stark reality.
Years ago, Dan harbored murderous thoughts about his friend Jasper over Jasper’s wife, Vikki. Meeting Vikki decades later unexpectedly, Fischer spins this premise into comedic farce rather than melodramatic therapy. The ensuing chaos is marked by misunderstandings—themes which Fischer masterfully intertwines with humor and wit:
Misunderstandings. Misunderstandings. Misunderstandings and events, weather, they run everything.
This novel juxtaposes humor with darker themes, making it a multifaceted reading experience. Around Dan, a colorful cast emerges, reminiscent of a Dickensian ensemble: Carjack Carlo, Battersea Bill, and Jabs, to name a few. Each character reflects different facets of ambition and folly in a world consumed by crypto speak—“Blockchain. Smart Contracts. Staking…”—a commentary on vacuous conversations dominating the zeitgeist.
Fischer’s gift lies in illuminating the absurdities of lived experiences. The characters’ endless chatter about wealth and success underpins their desperation, revealing a deeper commentary on masculinity interwoven with self-delusion. He presents a vivid tapestry of men caught between ambition and victimhood, each battling their failures while attempting to maintain an air of bravado.
Set in Dubai—the ultimate symbol of aspiration and greed—the novel’s environment mirrors its themes: characters striving for self-reinvention, yet ultimately falling short. For Dan, dreams of wealth manifest as fantastical aspirations.
How do I get big, superinflating bags and face-melting gains so I can get a private army and tell everyone what I think of them?
The answer, according to Fischer’s blunt storytelling, is a resounding ‘no.’ In a world filled with the grandiosity of crypto jargon and towering skyscrapers, Fischer reminds readers that true fulfillment rests not in accolades, but in genuine human connection. “Great to have some gongs, some applause, but all that finally counts is company,” he suggests. This book merges quick wit with age-old wisdom, offering insight amidst its swagger and comedic flair, underscoring Fischer’s unique ability to blend humor with heartfelt authenticity.
