22 Jun Book Review: Stinkbug by Sinéad Stubbins

Sinéad Stubbins, known for her sharp cultural commentary and wit, ventures into fiction with her debut novel Stinkbug. Set against the backdrop of a corporate retreat, the novel delves into the absurdities of workplace culture, exploring themes of conformity, identity, and the often toxic dynamics within professional environments.

What’s it about?

Edith, a dedicated copywriter at Winked advertising agency, has always been the reliable one—taking on extra responsibilities, covering for colleagues’ mistakes, and striving to be the ideal employee. When the company announces a three-day retreat at Consequi, a remote mountain convent turned corporate getaway, Edith sees it as an opportunity to solidify her position amidst looming restructuring.

Upon arrival, the retreat quickly deviates from standard team-building exercises. Phones are confiscated, activities become increasingly bizarre, and the line between professional development and psychological manipulation blurs. Edith, already grappling with personal insecurities and the recent firing of her ex-boyfriend, begins to question the true purpose of the retreat.

As the days progress, the veneer of corporate camaraderie crumbles. Colleagues turn on each other, secrets surface, and Edith finds herself labeled the “stinkbug”—an outcast whose presence is deemed contaminating. Faced with the choice of conforming to the group’s increasingly erratic behavior or embracing her outsider status to uncover the retreat’s true agenda, Edith embarks on a journey of self-discovery and resistance.

What This Chick Thinks

Stinkbug is a biting satire that captures the surreal nature of corporate life. Stubbins masterfully portrays the absurdities of workplace dynamics, highlighting how easily professional environments can devolve into arenas of psychological warfare. Edith’s experiences resonate deeply, reflecting the internal conflicts many face in balancing authenticity with the pressure to conform.

The novel’s strength lies in its ability to blend humor with horror. The retreat’s escalating madness serves as a metaphor for the often unspoken traumas of corporate existence. Stubbins doesn’t shy away from exposing the dark underbelly of office politics, making readers question the cost of ambition and the sacrifices made for career advancement.

However, while the narrative is compelling, there are moments where the surreal elements overshadow character development. Some supporting characters feel underexplored, serving more as archetypes than fully fleshed-out individuals. Despite this, the novel’s core message remains potent and thought-provoking.

Final Thoughts

Stinkbug is a daring and insightful debut that challenges readers to reflect on the nature of work, identity, and the lengths one will go to fit in. Stubbins’ foray into fiction is both entertaining and unsettling, offering a fresh perspective on the corporate world.

Rating: 8/10

Try it if you like:

• Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder – A surreal exploration of motherhood and identity, blending domestic life with fantastical elements.
• Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid – A sharp commentary on race, privilege, and the complexities of modern relationships.
• Yellowface by R.F. Kuang – A darkly comedic take on authorship, cultural appropriation, and the publishing industry’s inner workings.