I have been a fan (and collector) of Richard Sennett's work for many, many years and was excited to see this as an offering on NetGalley. A wonderful stylist and an incredibly insightful man, Mr. Sennett's entire body of work is consistently of the highest order. This book did not disappoint those already high expectations. 5 Stars !!

In The Performer, Richard Sennett explores the role of performance, and the experience of performing, in art, politics, and daily life. Though similar in concept to Erving Goffman's seminal text The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life (which Sennett acknowledges early on), Sennett's book is unique in that he views social performance from the perspective of a once-professional musician, not merely as a sociologist. The arts are at the heart of the text, and Sennett's combination of knowledge and passion shines through his sociological analyses.

The Performer is an academic text, but Sennett's warm, meandering, even laid-back writing style might make a reader forget this fact, to the reader's benefit. The concepts Sennett tackles are not simple, but his frequent and effective use of artistic and cultural references provides readers with an approachable framework, as well as a built-in education in art and theater history. Readers who are reading in an academic setting, as well as those who are simply performers studying their industry, will find a wealth of information both theoretical and practical.

While Sennett's storytelling style does make his ideas easier to process, it also tends to sound monotonous; I found I could only read a chapter or a few sections at a time before I began to feel sleepy. There is little variation in tone or pace, and I wouldn't have minded passages that were more dense or more highly theoretical, if only for variety's sake. Still, as a musician and casual actress myself, I did find The Performer a worthy read, and would be happy to recommend it to my over-achieving peers.

This book talks about the multifaceted world of performance, spanning realms such as acting, rituals, music, and even the role of the audience. Drawing from the author's extensive experience and deep understanding, it explores interconnected themes including emotions, communication, reception, and the influence of space. Through a rich tapestry of historical insights, insights from various thinkers, and anecdotes of performers, the author invites readers to perceive and contemplate performance in a fresh light.

Navigating through this wealth of information and introspection, readers are encouraged to develop a newfound appreciation for the art of performing, viewing it through a lens of deeper reflection. While the book may not be the easiest read, its contents are rewarding, offering insights that linger.