"Mrs. Caliban" by Rachel Ingaalls

Anais' Annotations

Science fiction as a genre tends to conjure images of robot-human hybrids and spaceships soaring through the sky. In Rachel Ingalls’ 1982 novella “Mrs. Caliban,” this classic definition is put to the test. The author combines elements of science fiction with a psychological thriller; all set in an average suburban home. This tiny book packs a punch of meaning and heartache. 

The story’s main protagonist, Dorothy, is a highly unstable but compelling character. It is clear from the jump that Dorothy’s mental health is on the rocks. After all, the loss of a child, a miscarriage and an estrangement from her husband have taken their toll. Despite these issues, Dorothy still puts on the facade of a perfect housewife. 

This dynamic personality is what I enjoy about Dorothy’s character. I find her very relatable. Even people who have not experienced Dorothy’s mental health issues or traumas can relate to the difficulties of trying to keep it all together in the face of hardship. 

Her life changes forever when she encounters an experimental escapee-- a strange creature who goes by the name of Larry. The relationship between Larry and Dorothy is complicated at best. He simultaneously represents both her husband and her children, all three characters who have essentially been lost to her. 

Larry becoming Dorothy’s lover may seem like a stretch. In fact, it may even be uncomfortable for some readers when their sexual acts become detailed. I encourage first-time readers to view this dynamic as Dorothy breaking out of her confined life as a wife. Having an affair with a humanoid creature is an act of defiance against both her husband and the world that asks her to conform. 

In other ways, Larry is representative of a mother-child relationship with Dorothy. She experiences him growing, changing and learning right in front of her eyes. Dorothy is virtually powerless to control him, even though she sometimes wants to. When considering the full structure of Larry as a symbol– one that is both a husband and a child– it seems that he is meant to embody all the things missing from Dorothy’s life. Namely, she is a housewife and stay-at-home mother without a husband or children to  speak of, making her existence a sort of limbo. 

The way this work is written is a powerful testament to its message. There are long passages throughout the text where it seems like absolutely nothing is happening. I admit, it can be a little boring at times. However, I find this very valuable for understanding the overall theme: the mundane nature of Dorothy’s life. Her constant seeking to break out from what surrounds her is founded on the suffocating nature of these more uneventful sections. 

To me, what stuck out most about this book from the many I have read is the major plot-twist  at the end. I would not say it is a huge climax, but it most certainly carries a shock factor. There is so much surprise in this ending that I would not dare to spoil it, but I hope a taste will encourage you to read it yourself. 

While science fiction is not normally my interest, “Mrs. Caliban” ranks high among my readings for this year. Its unique storyline and profound meaning compressed into so few pages draws a reader in and just will not let them go. I give this book a 10 out of 10.