Lars Iyer, known as a novelist, is actually a philosopher hiding in plain sight. This is a common phenomenon in British academia, with true believers seeking refuge in various departments. Since 2015, Iyer has taken solace in Newcastle University’s creative writing faculty after working as a philosophy lecturer for many years. While his cover as an academic is plausible, Iyer has also published six novels, including his latest work, “My Weil,” which offers intelligent satire on philosophy and its esteemed practitioners.
Iyer’s novels delve into the lives of intellectuals, although his characters are mostly students who are self-deprecating and fall short of their philosophical idols. The complexity of their conversations leads to moments of truth, yet they ultimately shy away from fully embracing these revelations. Iyer’s latest novels introduce legendary philosophers in unexpected places, injecting humor and poignancy into their stories.
Merve Emre, a critic and professor, describes Iyer as a “dialectical writer” who expertly navigates the divide between high modernist seriousness and his inclination to mock it. Iyer finds it ridiculous yet loves it at the same time, and this internal conflict is evident in his work.
Iyer’s interest in philosophy stemmed from his time studying at Manchester Metropolitan University, where he encountered scholars who took philosophy seriously. Inspired by their dedication, he attempted to pursue a career in philosophy but ultimately failed. Instead, he turned to writing fiction, seeing it as an opportunity to turn his failures into something productive and literary.
His first trilogy of novels, known as the “W” series, began as a blog where he shared philosophical musings with a touch of humor. The positive response from readers led to the creation of “Spurious,” “Dogma,” and “Exodus.” While Iyer may have failed as a philosopher, he succeeded in conveying his failure to his audience, resulting in literary acclaim.
Iyer’s subsequent novels, including “My Weil,” follow a more traditional narrative structure while maintaining his signature humor and character interactions. In “My Weil,” the eponymous Simone befriends a group of grad students, exposing them to her compassionate approach to life in the face of adversity. Meanwhile, the students revel in their disdain for everyone around them, including themselves and the very act of creative writing.
Although Iyer teaches undergraduate writing and enjoys the atmosphere in the classroom, his true passion lies in philosophy. He openly admits to not reading contemporary fiction and remaining focused on his philosophical pursuits. However, his ability to maintain trust and foster a delicate atmosphere in his classes is something he values.
In conclusion, Lars Iyer’s unique blend of philosophy and satire has earned him recognition as a novelist. His works offer a fresh perspective on the intellectual world and its inhabitants while maintaining a playful and humorous tone. Although he may have failed as a philosopher, he has found success in literature, transforming his failures into literary achievements.
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