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Miss Subways by David Duchovny: book review



Miss Subways: A Novel (2018) is a book by American actor David Duchovny.

Emer Gunnels is a New Yorker taking the subway train to and from work. As she sits on the subway one evening, avoiding the gaze of other passengers, and without a book for company, she notices a poster about the Miss Subways beauty competition – a competition that began in 1941 and ended in 1976. To be eligible to enter the competition, a woman needed only to be a New Yorker and a frequent subway passenger. In 2017, the competition was making a comeback. 

Emer is living with Cuchulain Constance Powers (Con), who works on his writing project. Emer abandons her dreams of being a writer to work as his research assistant, in addition to her job as a primary school teacher and part-time job as tutor. ‘They were well suited. She wanted a victory for him and wanted to feel a part of this victory, part of him.’ But does Con want the same for her? Or is she being conned? Would he support her dreams? She wasn’t sure.

During the course of the novel, Emer takes a parallel journey – one from another time and space. Emer and Cuchulain are ancient Irish names, and Irish and global mythological figures emerge in this romantic fantasy. 

Yes, this is a fairy tale – as Emer fantasies about the perfect love. To create her ‘eternally happy ever after’ wish, what must be sacrificed? Is it only the woman who must sacrifice something to gain a man’s commitment? Or does Con feel the same way? This is HER fantasy, not her husband’s. This is HER inner turmoil. These are the voices in HER head. 

A decision must be made – to have Con and no life of her own – or to have a life of her own and no Con. The pain is hers. How can she have it all? The mythological figure givers her an answer.

Don’t worry readers – this is not a James Joyce’s Irish stream-of-consciousness fantasy. It is more rooted in reality. But a reality with inner demons and doubts.

This is about Emer, and her aspirations and her inner struggle for true long-lasting love, but it is also about the love of New York. It is interesting and an enjoyable read. The subtle music references are good too, and Duchovny proves himself to be a writer with a message. 








MARTINA NICOLLSis an international aid and development consultant, and the authorof:- Similar But Different in the Animal Kingdom(2017), The Shortness of Life: A Mongolian Lament (2015), Liberia’s Deadest Ends (2012), Bardot’s Comet (2011), Kashmir on a Knife-Edge (2010) and The Sudan Curse (2009).

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