Summary - Girlfriend in a Coma

Douglas Coupland's Girlfriend in a Coma

Published in 1998, and composed by the acclaimed author of Generation X, Girlfriend in a Coma appears overlooked by many critics as unworthy of attention, despite having various valid arguments and suggestions, yes it does have it's flaws, it proves not only an engaging read but it captures the imagination of many. Despite having scoured the internet for various sources (and finding little but reviews) it becomes clear that contemporary readers are highly dissatisfied with the ending, whether this is to do with a lack of understanding or just merely personal preference, I intend to explore the novel through Postmodern concepts such as: Identity, superficiality, technology, the hyper-real, lack of meaning and Nostalgia.

Summary of the Novel

So what is the novel about? Well it begins with a group of teenagers set in the 1970's (Richard, Karen, Pam, Linus, Wendy, Hamilton and Jarred - a ghost) on the cusp of adulthood who have their life goals ahead of them. Though, in a sudden turn of events they are thrown into chaos when Karen (after having visions of an apocalyptic future), falls into a coma for seventeen years. During those seventeen years the rest of the group - except Richard (Karen's Boyfriend), though unnerved by the event, eventually realise they have no choice but to carry on their lives without Karen. So during those seventeen comatose years the group gets sucked into 'reality' and develop their lives, achieving their childhood aspirations; Wendy - becoming a doctor, Pam - attaining a role as a supermodel, Linus goes in search for Answers to the big Question, Hamilton submerges himself into special effects with Richard still grieving and hoping for the off-chance miracle of Karen's re-awakening - which occurs in part two. 

 Karen, 17 years later, with a mind of her teenage youth (unlike the others) finds difficulty in accepting and adapting to contemporary society. After having more visions the world falls 'asleep' with the group the only ones remaining where they watch film after film and discuss meaningless topics as a form of entertainment, continuing with their lives as best they can until Jarred (a football player in high school who died of leukemia) appears as a ghost, warning them of the possibility of two paths; dependent on their actions. With all having an unconscious feeling of emptiness in their lives Jarred performs miracles to aid their ailments one by one (for the time being) until he reveals the least successful path. In addition, they will be re-united with their old lives with the catch that Karen has to go back and remain in a coma whilst the rest of them have to dedicate their lives to preaching in the streets to never stop asking questions:

"In your old lives you had nothing to live for. Now you do. You have nothing to

lose and everything to gain. Go clear land for a new culture - bring your 

axes, scythes and guns [...] If you're not spending your every waking 

moment of your life radically re-thinking the nature of the world - if

you're not plotting every moment boiling the carcass of the old

order - then you're wasting your day." 

(Flamingo: 1998, p271)