Choke

Chuck Palahniuk

Ashley Sudeta

I’m a firm believer that there are few joys as great as reading something twisted and disgusting. It’s wonderful when a piece of fiction inverts polite expectations, makes the holy profane, and elicits gags. If you agree with me on this, you might be a fan of Chuck Palahniuk. While he is primarily known as the author of “Fight Club,” Palahniuk has penned other works capable of confusing, surprising, and disturbing readers (not necessarily

in that order).

“Choke” is one of those novels. The plot focuses on Victor Mancini, a medical school drop-out and self declared “sexaholic.” Victor’s life revolves around earning money to pay for his mother’s assisted living. Working at a colonial re-enactment village with his best friend Denny, Victor makes a sad wage. However, he’s found a way to supplement his income. Each night, Victor eats at a restaurant and forces himself to choke on his food. He’s always saved by another diner. Through the act of saving him, his rescuers feel responsible for Victor’s wellbeing, taking pity on him and sending money. However, they also gain a life-changing sense of capability. Victor uses this empowerment to justify his scheme.

Victor’s actions are absurd, but there are moments in which his reasoning sounds not only plausible, but strangely beautiful. He bounces between being a Christ figure and being covered in various bodily fluids. Confusing? Yes. But it’s never boring. Just as unexpected and twice as fucked up as “Fight Club,” “Choke” is a truly a treat for any edgy, ex-Catholic literary enthusiast.