Claire Keegan's "Small Things Like These" is a marvel of concision, a novella that packs the emotional and thematic weight of a much larger work into
Claire Keegan's "Small Things Like These" is a marvel of concision, a novella that packs the emotional and thematic weight of a much larger work into its slender frame. It resonates with the quiet power of a Flannery O'Connor short story, where every word is meticulously chosen, and the setting itself becomes a character, imbued with a palpable sense of history and moral weight.
From the first page, Keegan immerses us in the wintry, working-class town of New Ross, Ireland, in 1985. The biting cold, the rhythmic clatter of coal delivery, the hushed anxieties of a community bound by unspoken rules 鈥� all are rendered with an immediacy that feels both intimate and universal. Keegan paints a patina of historical context, a colored glass through which we view Maurice Furlong's daily life. The lingering shadow of the Magdalene Laundries, the unspoken shame, and the quiet resilience of ordinary people are woven into the fabric of the narrative.
Like O'Connor, Keegan excels at revealing the profound within the mundane. Maurice's simple acts of kindness, his quiet observations, and his internal struggles are rendered with a stark, unflinching honesty. There's a moral gravity that permeates the narrative, a sense that even the smallest choices can have profound consequences. The setting, with its stark contrasts between the warmth of family and the chilling secrets hidden in plain sight, amplifies this moral tension.
The novella's brevity is its strength. There's no room for extraneous detail, no wasted words. Every sentence serves a purpose, building a cumulative sense of unease and emotional resonance. The narrative unfolds with a quiet intensity, drawing us deeper into Maurice's inner world and the dark undercurrents of his community.
Keegan's prose is as precise and evocative as a perfectly cut diamond. She captures the nuances of Irish speech, the subtle power dynamics of a small town, and the unspoken emotions that simmer beneath the surface. The novella is a masterclass in economy, demonstrating how much can be achieved with so little.
"Small Things Like These" is not a sprawling epic, but a tightly wound, deeply affecting exploration of conscience and compassion. It鈥檚 a gem, a small thing that leaves a lasting impression, much like a perfectly crafted O'Connor story. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, small acts of kindness and moral courage can illuminate the human spirit, leaving a lasting, shimmering glow....more
Three short stories set in Myammar, a lesser visited part of South East Asia in contemporary fiction. The only other story I can recall is The Lizard Three short stories set in Myammar, a lesser visited part of South East Asia in contemporary fiction. The only other story I can recall is The Lizard Cage, a long-form fiction. There's a certain gaze of the post-colonial writer, one who grew up in South East Asia, and then went abroad and learnt the canons of western literature; a voice that is forced to balance the richness of folklore and history with the more recent oppressions and poverties of the body and the of the land. This is a book deeply concerned about loss and violence, it is situated in the scars of history and societies, a grayish oppressive place with little hope, but where life finds its own way to go on. There's grace in the titular giving of alms, the openness to compassion and love that people are suprisingly capable of even in the darkest moments -- that narrative belief in the redemptive power of the human soul, to lift beyond the improverished environs and situations.
The stories are jarring and difficult in their unspeakable violence and pain, but readable in their flow and effortless writing. A little predictable in voice and outlook perhaps, but the narrator is sincere in their lack of resolutions and willingness to continue on in the reality of life that somehow goes on....more
Samantha Harvey's "Orbital" isn't a conventional narrative driven by a rising and falling action arc. Instead, it's a meticulously crafted explorationSamantha Harvey's "Orbital" isn't a conventional narrative driven by a rising and falling action arc. Instead, it's a meticulously crafted exploration of stasis, a novel that suspends its readers in the liminal space of an orbital trajectory. Like the International Space Station, the book circles a central point 鈥� the fragile, isolated existence of astronauts and the profound, often unsettling, beauty of Earth seen from above.
Harvey's prose mirrors the very nature of an orbit: it is cyclical, introspective, and imbued with a sense of sustained distance. There is no traditional "plot" in the sense of a beginning, middle, and end. Instead, we are presented with a series of vignettes, fragmented thoughts, and sensory details that coalesce into a portrait of life in the void. Each astronaut's perspective is a point in the orbit, a moment of bated breath held in the vastness of space.
The book excels at capturing the unique psychological experience of being suspended in an orbital path. The silence, the weightlessness, the constant awareness of Earth's fragility 鈥� these elements create a sense of profound isolation and introspection. The narrative avoids the typical tropes of space thrillers, opting instead for a more contemplative and meditative approach.
The suspense in "Orbital" isn't the heart-pounding, action-packed variety. It's a more subtle, pervasive tension, a constant awareness of the precariousness of their situation. It's the bated breath held as they conduct experiments, as they gaze at the swirling blue planet below, as they navigate the intricate machinery that keeps them alive. It's the quiet fear of the unknown, the realization that they are suspended in a delicate balance, a constant orbit around the ever-present Earth.
Harvey's use of language is exquisite. The descriptions of space, the Earth, and the astronauts' inner lives are rendered with a poetic precision that elevates the novel beyond a simple science fiction narrative. The book's structure, with its shifting perspectives and fragmented narrative, reinforces the sense of an orbital path, a constant circling around the central themes of isolation, beauty, and the human condition.
"Orbital" is not a novel for those seeking a fast-paced, plot-driven experience. It is a book for those who appreciate the power of language, the beauty of introspection, and the profound sense of suspense that can be found in the quiet moments of existence. It is a novel that captures the essence of an orbit: a sustained moment of bated breath, a delicate balance between the known and the unknown, a silent, profound contemplation of the human experience...more
A wonderfully readable and fluently-illustrated graphic novel that warms the hearts.
The unpunctuated title "How to draw a secret" can be read as alterA wonderfully readable and fluently-illustrated graphic novel that warms the hearts.
The unpunctuated title "How to draw a secret" can be read as alternately a questioning lament against an unsurmountable task; or an instructional how-to. This book attempts to do both: The graphic novel paints the context of the family secret that 12-turning-13-year-old Cindy confronts and unravels and her struggle to draw "What family means" for a formal arts competition; but through its narrative, shows us how honesty, bravery and trust in the kindness of others is what exchanges the shadowy secrets and fears to a richer mix of experiences and life.
Narratively, the separation of Cindy's parents is the apparent "secret" that she has to put on the page, and the book offers an answer to that task. But the deeper secret that we all have is our lived experience and our own interior world, a lived experience that is forever locked and unknownable to others. This is the sneaky gnawl of inadequacy while seen as a model child; the snarl of loneliness in a rowdy tangle of siblings and friends; the tingle to feel different while eagerly fitting in. As an adult reader, perhaps that's the deeper question and unsurmountable task that I'm drawn to - what space and avenue is there that is kind enough to hold space and give voice to that secret story that lives in each of us?
Ultimately, I found this a well-executed story, and a beautifully drawn and produced graphic novel. This book belongs well to that literary canon of the autobiographical novel that every author eventually has to write. The settings of California and Taiwan are culturally anchored and relatable, and third-culture-children readers of immigrant families would find particular resonance with the story lines. Readers of the hardcover edition can take additional joy from the artwork on the boards (spoiler: tools required to draw a secret)....more
A friend recommended this fictionalized account of a Japanese writer's travels in Taiwan and her evolving relationship with her Taiwanese translator. A friend recommended this fictionalized account of a Japanese writer's travels in Taiwan and her evolving relationship with her Taiwanese translator. It was an engaging read, and I appreciated the creativity of the fictionalized autobiographical form and the effective use of translations.
This book contains themes of LGBTQ+ relationships, depicting adoring friendships between same-sex characters. However, there are no explicit or direct mentions of same-sex sexual relationships.
The inclusion of translator's notes provides non-intrusive commentary and introduces additional narrative voices. Kudos to the English translation for effectively continuing this layered approach. I can understand why this book won a translation prize; it brilliantly showcases the nuances of language and the fruitful connections that emerge during the translation process.
The novel is generally readable, and the vivid descriptions of food were particularly engaging and inviting from the very beginning. The narrator's voracious appetite is a delight for readers (as the Chinese saying goes, "to have a big appetite is a blessing"). However, the constant focus on food and sights eventually became repetitive and somewhat tedious. I found my interest waning halfway through as the narration began to resemble a laundry list rather than a developing narrative.
Fortunately, the plot regained momentum and broadened in scope as it explored themes of power (particularly within the context of colonialism) and the impossibility of truly equal friendship when power dynamics are imbalanced.
In retrospect, the seemingly self-centered and lengthy narration serves a purpose, foreshadowing the narrator's eventual realization of her own "blind spots" and lack of self-awareness. However, readers may need to persevere through this initial period.
Overall, I believe this would be an interesting historical novel for readers interested in life in Taiwan under Japanese colonial rule, and for those who appreciate works that foreground translation and thoughtfully utilize it as a literary device....more
Jacqueline Harpman's I Who Have Never Known Men is a haunting and unforgettable exploration of humanity in the face of extreme isolation and the unknoJacqueline Harpman's I Who Have Never Known Men is a haunting and unforgettable exploration of humanity in the face of extreme isolation and the unknown. It's a spare, terse novel befitting of the terse world it's set in: a protagonist confined within an underground cage with 39 other women, their only contact with the outside world being the silent, enigmatic guards. Harpman masterfully creates an atmosphere of suspense and mystery, and unravels that into a grand sense of senselessness and despair.
What struck me most about this novel was its profound sense of ambiguity. Harpman offers no easy answers, no pretty tying of the bow leave-home message. As readers, we're left to grapple with the same questions as the protagonist: What is the purpose of the cages? Where is this strange wolrd? What is the meaning of this? How should I live this one singular life that I have? Harpman does a good job setting up a context where the familiar and taken-for-granted is removed, and gives a somewhat blank state to ponder these foundational questions.
The novel's philosophical musings are direct and well-layered, the chronological biographical writing a testament the growth and aging of the protagonist, moving from the youthful insouciance of the need to assert power to the mellow question and acceptance of the meaninglessness and insignificance of life. The protagonist's journey of self-discovery, her struggle to understand her identity and her place in the world, resonated deeply with me.
Harpman's prose is sparse yet evocative, perfectly capturing the protagonist's limited understanding of the world and the gradual expansion of her consciousness. The stark beauty of the desolate landscape the women encounter after their escape further emphasizes their isolation and the profound questions the novel raises about survival, meaning, and the very nature of existence. There's no bloodshed in the book, and scant mention of actual violence. Despite its sci-fi setting, the lived experience is plain and quotidien, an interesting and comforting departure from the usual trope of this genre; leaving the philosophical musings to a somewhat spare, bucolic setting rather than a tense, war-torn one.
I Who Have Never Known Men is not a comfortable read, but it is a deeply rewarding one. It's a novel that stays with you long after you finish it, prompting reflection on the human condition and the enduring power of the human spirit. Highly recommended for readers who appreciate thought-provoking and atmospheric fiction....more
Amanda Lee Koe鈥檚 latest novel offers an engaging and energetic reimagining of a classic Chinese fable. While the narrative occasionally veers into senAmanda Lee Koe鈥檚 latest novel offers an engaging and energetic reimagining of a classic Chinese fable. While the narrative occasionally veers into sentimentality and bursts at the seams with its exuberant energy, it remains faithful to its source material and delivers numerous moments of genuine beauty and charm, particularly around same-sex friendships.
Having previously encountered Koe鈥檚 work in Ministry of Moral Panic, I was familiar with her dynamic and evocative prose. This novel retains much of that same energy, propelling the plot forward with a lively pace. The narrative traverses two vibrant metropolises: the gritty underbelly of New York City and the dazzling landscape of Singapore, reminiscent of the 鈥渃razy rich鈥� aesthetic. There鈥檚 a distinct vein of insider humor that will resonate particularly with Singaporean readers, and it鈥檚 commendable how Koe seamlessly integrates vernacular elements while maintaining accessibility for a Western audience.
I particularly appreciated the nuanced portrayal of the Green Snake, often relegated to a secondary, almost impish role in traditional retellings, frequently referred to simply as 鈥淴iaoqing鈥� or 鈥渓ittle green.鈥� Here, she is given depth and agency. The novel also boasts a diverse cast of characters, although at times, this diversity feels somewhat contrived, perhaps reflecting a tendency in Singaporean narratives to foreground politically correct representation while overlooking other, more subversive forms of diversity.
While the plot鈥檚 fantastical elements, involving a snake incarnated as a human with superpowers, require a degree of suspension of disbelief, the narrative embraces this premise wholeheartedly. However, I felt that a greater sense of restraint in certain instances, a tempering of the 鈥渨ow factor鈥� and feel-good moments, could have allowed for more compelling character development. Overall, though, the novel is an enjoyable and imaginative read....more
I honestly can't recall what prompted me to pick up this book. It's quite a departure from my usual reading, a work of "living autobiography" that bleI honestly can't recall what prompted me to pick up this book. It's quite a departure from my usual reading, a work of "living autobiography" that blends narrative with a distinct essayistic quality.
Structured as a response to George Orwell's "Why I Write," the book serves as Levy's own introspection on her motivations for writing. It brought to mind those university writing classes where we were constantly asking, "Why is the speaker speaking?"
Levy's prose is powerful and robust, yet also intimate and direct. Her writing truly "cuts close to the bone." I admit I didn't catch all of her literary references, which meant I likely missed some of the deeper context. However, the narrative remained easy to follow. The more narrative sections of the book could almost be read as fiction, and they are often quite eye-opening due to their strong sense of place (South Africa, London) and specific time periods.
There's a lot of writing about the female experience, a topic that I'm not so well-acquainted with and I was drawn to compare her to Rachel Cusk, another contemporary author that centers on the female lived experience. Levy's writing deals more with the systemic, the societal, using the freedom that the autobiographical form affords....more
First came across the Oxherd Boy via Instagram, and I think there's a surge of these soothing, affirmative art form accompanied by a pithy philosophicFirst came across the Oxherd Boy via Instagram, and I think there's a surge of these soothing, affirmative art form accompanied by a pithy philosophical sentence of two about life. Which is to say, highly commercially viable and easy to like in the fragmented attention span of our digital age.
I particularly appreciated the gong-bi drawing style in this collection, the juxtaposition of exactingly detailed brush work with the freedom and flow of the watercolor ink. The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse was one of my favorite books from recent years, and in a way there's a parallel here, the ox a stand-in for the horse; the rabbit a Asian version of the mole. There's a gentleness in a young child's relation to animals (who speaks, of course), an acceptable projection of one-dimensional personalities to these animals in fables that will certainly be scorned in other fictional forms.
I did wish that the book carried more of a narrative arc rather than a collection of short snippets reminiscent of a time scroll of Instagram posts, but that doesn't detract from the fact that I'm happy to own a copy and flip through its pages from time to time, to find myself in a comforting, soulful place....more
Loading...
