"What he wants to say is: make me good. Whatever it is that I lack, make me good. Make me normal. Make it so that I can be loved."
Michael Amherst’s Th"What he wants to say is: make me good. Whatever it is that I lack, make me good. Make me normal. Make it so that I can be loved."
Michael Amherst’s The Boyhood of Cain is a novel of exquisite contradictions: brutal yet tender, cerebral yet deeply visceral, a work of sharp philosophical inquiry wrapped in the soft edges of nostalgia. It’s a novel that doesn’t so much tell a coming-of-age story as it dissects one, with all the precision and detached curiosity of a young mind turning itself inside out in search of meaning. And God, does Daniel search.
Daniel, our precocious, endlessly questioning protagonist, exists in a liminal space between childhood and adolescence, between intellect and emotion, between self and desire. He is brilliant, insufferable, lonely, and desperate to understand a world that seems determined to remain opaque. Growing up in an English village, with a father too grandiose for practicality and a mother too beautiful for contentment, he is a boy defined by the tension of longing - for love, for certainty, for an answer to the questions no one around him is asking. His intelligence isolates him as much as it defines him, leaving him unmoored in a sea of people who do not think, do not question, do not see.
Amherst’s prose is quietly hypnotic, weaving existential inquiry with the quotidian details of village life. There is something sinister beneath the surface, a creeping disquiet that never fully announces itself, only lingers, like the hush before a storm. Daniel’s fascination with Philip, the new boy at school, and their shared obsession with a charismatic teacher, forms the novel’s central thread, a study in the intoxicating power of devotion and the inevitable betrayal that follows blind faith. The relationships here are fraught, but Amherst does not sentimentalize them; he allows them to unfold with a stark, almost clinical honesty, making the emotional gut-punches land all the harder.
And then there’s the philosophy—the religious musings, the existential crises, the aching search for meaning. For me, this is what elevates The Boyhood of Cain from a beautifully crafted coming-of-age story to something greater. Amherst captures, with unsettling accuracy, what it is to grow up as a mind too big for its surroundings, trapped in a world where nobody else is asking the right questions. He gives us a character who is not just lost, but lost with the awareness of being lost, and that is something else entirely.
If I have one criticism, it is only that I wanted more—more pages, more time with Daniel’s incisive, infuriating mind, more of the novel’s hushed menace and elegant devastation. But then, maybe that is Amherst’s final gift to the reader: to leave us longing, just as Daniel does, for something that remains just out of reach. ...more
Clear is such a unique novel: so quiet, so stripped of excess, that it feels almost elemental, like the land and sea that shape its characters. Carys Clear is such a unique novel: so quiet, so stripped of excess, that it feels almost elemental, like the land and sea that shape its characters. Carys Davies has crafted something astonishing here: a story that is both intimate and profound, a meditation on solitude, survival, and the unexpected bonds that form between people when language fails but the heart understands.
The premise is deceptively simple. In 1843, a minister named John Ferguson is sent to a remote Scottish island to evict its last inhabitant, a man named Ivar. It is the era of the Scottish Clearances, a time when landowners saw more value in sheep than in people, and Ivar, living alone with only his animals for company, is an inconvenient reminder of a past that the powerful are eager to erase.
But before John can even begin his task, an accident leaves him unconscious on the shore, and Ivar, unaware of his mission, takes him in, nursing him back to health. They do not share a language, but a fragile understanding begins to form between them. Meanwhile, back on the mainland, John’s wife Mary, alarmed by the nature of his task and the dangers he may face, sets out to find him. The novel unfolds like a slow tide, inexorable and deeply moving.
The prose is spare, yet every word feels deliberately placed, carrying the weight of something larger than itself. There is a Claire Keegan-like precision to Davies� writing—an ability to render landscape and emotion with a crystalline clarity. She does not waste words, nor does she need to; the spaces between them do just as much of the storytelling.
Ivar, in particular, is a marvel of character work. He is lonely but not broken, a man who has lived so long with the sea as his only companion that he seems half-wild, and yet, his kindness toward John is immediate, instinctive. There is no need for grand declarations between them—only gestures, food shared in silence, the slow and careful work of trust being built. Davies� use of Norn words adds another layer of authenticity to Ivar’s world, anchoring the novel even more deeply in its time and place.
And then there is Mary—perhaps the most unexpectedly compelling figure of all. Her journey to find John is not just a physical one, but an emotional and intellectual reckoning, a confrontation with the limits of duty and the shape of love. She is the kind of character who does not demand attention but earns it nonetheless, with quiet resolve and deeply felt emotion.
If I have one complaint, it is simply that I wanted more. The novel is brief—almost too brief for something so rich—and I found myself reading over passages, reluctant to leave the world Davies had so masterfully conjured. But perhaps that is the point. Some stories are not meant to be sprawling epics; some are best told like this, distilled to their essence, leaving space for the reader to sit with them, to let them settle.
Clear is a novel of remarkable restraint, yet it brims with meaning. It is about displacement, about kindness, about the human need for connection even in the most isolated of places. It is, in every sense, a stunning achievement. 4.5/5.
Rachel Cusk’s Parade is a novel of profound excavation—a scalpel-wielding dissection of art, identity, gender, and the unknowable terrain of creation.Rachel Cusk’s Parade is a novel of profound excavation—a scalpel-wielding dissection of art, identity, gender, and the unknowable terrain of creation. It is not a book that simply presents itself for consumption; it demands to be reckoned with, to be sat with, to be read and then immediately re-read. In its taut, crystalline prose, Cusk offers a series of vignettes that feel at times like fiction, at times like philosophy, and at others like a whispered confession that one cannot quite parse but cannot look away from either.
Structured in four distinct sections, Parade follows a set of artists, all referred to only as “G,� as they navigate the liminal spaces between genius and destruction, inspiration and erasure. Each chapter is a mirror held up to the act of creation—sometimes refracting, sometimes distorting, always revealing something essential about the nature of art and the price it exacts. Cusk’s choice to anonymise her subjects, to strip them down to an enigmatic initial, turns them into figures at once specific and universal, their struggles both uniquely personal and expansively allegorical.
There is a thread of relentless interrogation running through the novel: What does it mean to create? To mother? To destroy? Is the self an autonomous entity, or is it something constantly being shaped by forces outside of its control? Cusk, in her signature cerebral style, does not offer easy answers. Instead, she layers her narratives with ambiguity, folding first-person and third-person, single and plural perspectives into one another, disorienting the reader in ways that feel both deliberate and revelatory.
Certain moments in Parade left me breathless. Cusk’s prose is so precise, so honed, that entire passages demand to be underlined, memorized, turned over in the mind like a smooth stone in the palm. ‘The days passed slowly and indistinguishably at Mann's farm, as though they were the same day examined from different angles� she writes, an assertion that feels like the key to understanding not just this novel but perhaps the entire body of her work. Parade is, at its core, a book about fragmentation—of self, of narrative, of history—and the ways in which we attempt, often in vain, to reassemble meaning from the wreckage.
And yet, for all its abstraction, there is an undeniable emotional core to the novel. The meditations on motherhood, on the roles ascribed to women and men, on the inescapable inheritance of trauma, land like a series of quiet detonations. The final section, in which the plural “we� emerges as a forceful, collective voice, binds the novel’s disparate threads into something that feels both intimate and transcendent.
Parade is not a passive reading experience. It is a novel that requires work, attention, patience. But for those willing to engage with it on its own terms, the rewards are immense. This is literature at its most fearless—an unflinching gaze into the contradictions of creation, the limits of language, the inescapable weight of selfhood. It is, simply put, a masterpiece....more
“The disease of our days is that we spend so much time on the surface.�
Colum McCann’s Twist is a novel that pulls you under like a deep-sea current—fl“The disease of our days is that we spend so much time on the surface.�
Colum McCann’s Twist is a novel that pulls you under like a deep-sea current—fluid, immersive, and utterly consuming. The writing is stunning, a hypnotic blend of existential reflection, fractured identity, and philosophical musings on connection and disconnection, both digital and human. This was my first McCann novel, but by the time I finished, I knew I’d be devouring everything else he has ever written.
The novel follows Anthony Fennell, an Irish journalist tasked with covering the repair of the world’s underwater cables—the delicate fibre-optic lifelines that carry our collective digital existence across the ocean floor. But as he journeys to the West African coast and boards a cable repair ship, his assignment becomes something far greater: a meditation on human fragility, the ghosts of colonialism, and the invisible threads that bind us together and just as easily unravel.
One of the book’s most striking relationships is between Fennell and John Conway, an enigmatic engineer and free diver who seems to exist in the liminal spaces between past and present, land and sea, destruction and repair. His connection with Zanele, a South African actress on her own journey of self-definition, adds another layer of depth to the novel’s intricate web of longing, loss, and reinvention.
Thematically, Twist is about rupture and repair—of cables, of relationships, of entire histories. It’s a book that asks whether broken things can ever truly be made whole again, or whether we’re all just “shards in the smash-up,� as one of McCann’s breath-taking lines puts it. The novel is rich with aphoristic brilliance:
“Not a single atom in our bodies today was there when we were children. Every bit of us has been replaced many times over.�
McCann’s prose has a way of making the philosophical feel intimate, of turning big, sweeping ideas into something deeply personal. His sentences shimmer with poetic intensity, making even the simplest moments feel profound. And yet, for all its lyricism, there is a sharp precision to his storytelling. The book is tightly wound, the tension building not just in the external world of severed cables and geopolitical tremors but in the internal lives of its characters, all of whom are searching for something just beyond their reach.
If I had one complaint, it would be that the book’s final act slows down, lingering perhaps a touch too long in its deconstructions of meaning and memory. But even then, McCann never loses sight of the pulse beneath the words—the ache of wanting to belong, the hunger for connection, the inevitable entropy of all things.
Ultimately, Twist is a masterful exploration of how we hold ourselves together in a world built on fracture. It’s a book about the things we try to fix, the things we choose to let go of, and the stories we tell ourselves in order to keep going. In short: an absolute must-read.
“Everything gets fixed, and we all stay broken.�
Thank you to Bloomsbury & NetGalley for the ARC. Twist will be published on March 25, 2025. ...more
The world is drowning. London disappears beneath the rising tide, and in the same breath, a child is born. Life and loss entwined, beginning and end bThe world is drowning. London disappears beneath the rising tide, and in the same breath, a child is born. Life and loss entwined, beginning and end bleeding into each other like ink in water.
Megan Hunter writes with a poet’s restraint, each sentence a ripple that expands beyond the page, deep with unspoken things. There is a sparseness here, an economy of language that leaves space for echoes, for breath, for the reader’s own mind to fill the gaps. This is not a book that tells—it suggests, a whisper of a novel, a series of fleeting moments strung together like prayer beads.
At its heart, this is a book about motherhood, about the raw, feral devotion of bringing a life into an unraveling world. The narrator is unnamed, as is almost everyone—only initials remain, skeletal, as if names no longer hold weight in a landscape stripped of certainty. The flood takes everything: cities, homes, futures. But in the wake of loss, there is the fragile, stubborn persistence of love. Of survival.
Hunter’s prose drifts between reality and myth, interweaving the story of this one woman and her child with ancient voices, fragments of prophecy, visions of the world collapsing and being remade. The water rises, the people scatter, the baby grows. There is no grand narrative, no clear arc. Only the passing of time, the small intimacies of existence—a hand gripping a finger, a body curled protectively around another. And yet, within that quiet, there is a weight, a profundity.
This is not a book you read so much as one you experience. You let it wash over you, submerge you, carry you away. It is short, but vast. Spare, but unshakable. Like floodwater creeping ever closer, its depth alluring and slowly seeping into the corners of your mind.
Wow. Why is this not talked about more? I Who Have Never Known Men feels like a hidden gem, a modern classic that defies genre and expectation. This tWow. Why is this not talked about more? I Who Have Never Known Men feels like a hidden gem, a modern classic that defies genre and expectation. This tiny book, with its haunting beauty, carries the weight of a profoundly existential story that punches you in the gut.
The novel introduces us to a young girl imprisoned underground with 39 other women, none of whom remember why or how they ended up there. The protagonist, the youngest and only one with no past to recall, exists in a world where history, identity, and purpose have been stripped away. The story unravels with quiet intensity, taking us into a realm where the unknown and the terrifying concept of freedom loom large.
The writing is spare, yet striking, loaded with unspoken emotion and a deep sense of isolation. From the opening line, "As far back as I can recall, I have been in the bunker," the atmosphere is one of stark claustrophobia. There’s a sense that the characters are trapped in not only just a cage, they’re imprisoned by the very absence of meaning in a world that has forgotten them.
Jacqueline Harpman’s storytelling is nothing short of existentially profound. The philosophical undertones are impossible to ignore as the story explores the idea of humanity in a vacuum, a place where relationships, history, culture and even time have ceased to exist. In many ways, it felt like a metaphor for life itself: the search for meaning in an absurd and indifferent universe.
But for all its bleakness, the novel also holds surprising tenderness and introspection. One of the most powerful lines, “I was forced to acknowledge too late, much too late, that I too had loved, that I was capable of suffering, and that I was human after all,� encapsulates the tragedy of the story, the realization of one's own humanity, far too late.
There are moments when the narrative felt abstract and meandering, which might frustrate readers looking for more concrete answers or traditional plot progression. However, this ambiguity is precisely what gives the novel its haunting power. I Who Have Never Known Men is not about providing clear explanations but about evoking deep, unsettling feelings of wonder, isolation, and the aching need to belong.
Overall Takeaway: This is a novel that sits with you, gnawing at the edges of your mind long after you've finished. A melancholic, thought-provoking journey into the unknown, and a must-read for lovers of dystopian fiction or anyone drawn to deeply philosophical narratives. Harpman’s work may not be for everyone, but for those willing to venture into its depths, the reward is undeniable.
Why isn't this novel talked about more? It deserves a spot as a modern classic! ...more
Playground is a mind-bending exploration of storytelling, human nature, and the implications of AI- a novel that pulled me into its deeply reflective Playground is a mind-bending exploration of storytelling, human nature, and the implications of AI- a novel that pulled me into its deeply reflective ocean of themes. In Playground, Powers takes us from the depths of French Polynesia’s Makatea to the icy streets of Chicago, telling a sweeping narrative that touches on everything from friendship and identity to AI's role in shaping human reality. As always with Powers, there’s an ambitious mix of philosophical depth and emotional nuance, but this time with a twist that completely changes the way you view the story.
What struck me immediately were the characters - Todd Keane and Rafi Young, both brilliant in their own ways but from vastly different worlds. Todd, the privileged computer science genius, contrasts with Rafi, who grows up in the underprivileged world of Chicago but carries his own brilliance in literature and creativity. Their competitive friendship, which begins with games of chess and Go, evolves into something much more complex as Todd’s AI project, Playground, takes centre stage. The dynamic between them reminds me of the creative tension and emotional depth found in Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, as each character grapples with their ambitions, backgrounds, and their feelings for Ina Aroita, a talented artist with roots in Polynesia. Todd’s journey into tech-world success brings the ethical questions of AI and the internet to the forefront, and his privilege casts a long shadow over his decisions.
One of the most striking elements of the novel is its panoramic view of the ocean, particularly through the eyes of Evelyne Beaulieu, an oceanographer and pioneering female diver. Her story, while less connected to the tech narrative, is filled with lyrical descriptions of the underwater world, painting a vivid picture of the ocean’s beauty and dangers. There’s something profoundly meditative about Evelyne’s sections, which offer a stark contrast to the hustle of Chicago’s tech-driven drama. However, her passion for the ocean often leaves her personal relationships strained, reminding me of a recurring Powers theme: the tension between personal fulfilment and interpersonal connection.
The twist towards the end - that the entire narrative may be an AI-generated construct—is pure Powers. It forces the reader to rethink the boundaries between reality and artificial intelligence, prompting profound questions about authorship, consciousness, and the nature of human experience. This revelation ties together the disparate threads of the narrative, illuminating the ways in which stories shape our understanding of ourselves and our world.
In Playground, Powers challenges us to engage with the text on multiple levels. He doesn't simply present a story; he invites us to reflect on how technology and storytelling intersect, often in unsettling ways. The characters' struggles are not only personal but resonate with larger societal issues, such as privilege, colonialism, identity, and the moral implications of AI. As I read, I found myself questioning what it means to create and consume stories in an age where the lines between human and machine blur.
Overall, Playground is a richly layered novel that showcases Richard Powers' masterful storytelling and keen insight into human nature. It’s a captivating blend of intellectual rigour and emotional resonance, making it a standout on the 2024 Booker longlist. As always with the Booker prize, I am left puzzled why this masterpiece has not been shortlisted. (hide spoiler)](hide spoiler)]...more
Anne Michaels� Held is a rare literary gem, a symphony of intertwined lives and memories captured in poetic prose. Every page of this novel is packed Anne Michaels� Held is a rare literary gem, a symphony of intertwined lives and memories captured in poetic prose. Every page of this novel is packed with lyrical, thought-provoking passages that invite readers to slow down and savour the depth of emotion and philosophical musings Michaels brings to life. Moving fluidly across time and generations, the novel follows John, a soldier returning from World War I, through a journey that explores both personal and universal desires: the need for connection, understanding, and healing.
Michaels, known for her meditative style in Fugitive Pieces and The Winter Vault, employs a stream-of-consciousness approach, crafting small vignettes that feel like standalone pieces of poetry. Each section of Held reveals glimpses of characters whose lives are connected through invisible threads - loss, love, and the mysteries of existence. Her sparse, fragmentary form allows readers to experience the unspoken and invisible boundaries between life and death, intimacy and distance, the self and the world beyond.
Held is a book to be read slowly, to be savoured and reflected upon. It’s filled with quotable lines, each one a small meditation on life’s impermanence and the echoes of human experience across time. The prose itself feels almost mystical, blending science, art, and memory in a way that invites readers to embrace uncertainty and wonder. This is, quite simply, a book that will linger, its beauty and melancholy woven deeply into my mind.
On the 2024 Booker Prize shortlist, Held is, in my view, deserving of the win. Michaels has crafted a deeply resonant and profoundly poetic novel, capturing the essence of what it means to be human, in both the brightest and darkest moments. ...more
‘That’s the horrid thing. One has no choice, and yet one must live through it exactly as if one had.�
Sandra Newman’s Julia is a reimagining of Orwell‘That’s the horrid thing. One has no choice, and yet one must live through it exactly as if one had.�
Sandra Newman’s Julia is a reimagining of Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four from the perspective of the often overlooked Julia. This novel takes that cardboard cut-out of a character and breathes vibrant, rebellious life into her, transforming her from a mere footnote in Winston’s bleak narrative to a fully fleshed-out protagonist with her own agency, intelligence, and deeply intriguing inner life. Newman has taken Orwell's world and re-spun it with a feminist flair, giving us a Julia who is not only surviving in Oceania but is also, in her own way, fighting back. In the era of Greek mythology retellings (that I absolutely adore), this is a breath of fresh air.
What I adored most about Julia is how Newman peels back the layers of life in Oceania, revealing a world that feels both eerily familiar and freshly unsettling. While Winston was forever tangled in his cerebral webs, Julia is out there, in the thick of it, navigating the grimy realities of Airstrip One with a shrewd pragmatism. Newman’s depiction of the women’s hostel, the murky black markets, and the grim daily grind of Outer Party life is so vivid you can almost smell the Victory Gin. It’s as if Newman took Orwell’s blueprint and scribbled all over it in the most delightful, rebellious way possible.
Without spoiling too much, let me just say that Newman doesn’t shy away from upending the original narrative. She takes some bold liberties, reinterpreting key moments, particularly that bone-chilling scene in Room 101. And Julia! Oh, Julia! She’s not just a passive participant in Winston’s story. No, she’s a cunning survivor, playing the game with a level of complexity that Winston could only dream of. This Julia isn’t just in it for the thrill of the rebellion, she’s got a plan, a purpose, and she’s not going down without a fight.
The writing is sharp, erudite, and crackling with energy. Newman’s prose is a joy to read, full of clever turns of phrase and sly winks at the reader. It’s a novel that respects Orwell’s work but isn’t afraid to play with it, to twist it into something new and provocative. Some might call it fan fiction, but I say it’s a brilliantly executed reimagining, a companion piece that stands on its own while also casting new light on the original.
So, if you’re a die-hard Orwell fan, ready to revisit the world of Nineteen Eighty-Four with fresh eyes, Julia is an absolute must-read. It’s daring, it’s inventive, and it’s bound to keep you thinking. ...more
“Maybe we wanted another person to join us while we watched the world burn.�
"I Keep My Exoskeletons to Myself," written by Marisa Crane, delves into “Maybe we wanted another person to join us while we watched the world burn.�
"I Keep My Exoskeletons to Myself," written by Marisa Crane, delves into a dystopian future in which justice is conducted in the form of shadow. In Crane's United States, the Department of Balance executes an unmatched punishment: extra shadows for every violation, creating a visible shame and stripping individuals of their rights and humanity. This speculative backdrop provides a stark space for the exploration of topics like grief, identity, and resilience.
At the centre of the narrative is Kris, a new mother reeling from the recent death of her wife. In this prejudiced and surveiled world, Kris and her daughter, who was born with a second shadow, try to navigate their way. Crane writes Kris's first person account, pulling readers into Kris's suffocating world, where every step is watched and every shadow represents a societal verdict. The novel illustrates Kris's struggle with loss and how to be a new mom in a compassionate and vivid voice. From the depths of Kris's despair to the very edge of hope, the journey is beautifully rendered, with moments of darkness as well as humour splices of connection that feel authentic and earnest.
The strength of the narrative can be found in its sincerity and astonishing prose, which together speak of human perseverance in the face of systemic oppression. Crane crosses genres with grace, combining speculative fiction with a heartfelt story of love, grief, and the fight for dignity. The novel's secondary figures, including Kris's daughter, provide warmth and tenacity to the narrative, illustrating the undying human spirit that resists oppressive force. "I Keep My Exoskeletons to Myself" is a striking, beautiful, and ultimately encouraging book that opens a conversation about the shadows of our own world. ...more
“Just because you think it’s safe here, it doesn’t mean this is the right place for you, her heart countered. Sometimes where you feel most safe is wh“Just because you think it’s safe here, it doesn’t mean this is the right place for you, her heart countered. Sometimes where you feel most safe is where you least belong.�
Another novel by this author that is absolutely sublime! �10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World� by Elif Shafak is an exquisite, heart-wrenching exploration of memory, friendship, and the indomitable spirit of a woman whose life defies the margins of society. Set in the vibrant and tumultuous city of Istanbul, the novel unfurls in the final moments of Tequila Leila’s life, capturing her memories in the precious seconds before her consciousness fades.
The strength of 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World lies in Shafak's signature writing style and rich, evocative prose. The narrative structure, which delves into Leila’s past through her fragmented, yet vivid memories, creates a deeply immersive experience. Shafak paints Istanbul with vibrant, sensory detail, from the bustling streets to the hidden corners, infusing the city with a life and character of its own. As Leila recalls the significant moments and people who shaped her, readers are drawn into a poignant tapestry of love, loss, and resilience.
In this deeply moving and thought-provoking novel, Elif Shafak balances moments of profound sorrow with glimmers of hope and humanity. Leila’s story, told with compassion and insight, illuminates the lives of those often overlooked by society. The novel’s exploration of themes such as identity, marginalization, and the enduring power of friendship resonates deeply, offering a rich and layered reading experience. The theme of found family gives the novel an uplifting and positive tone, despite all the trauma the characters go through. Elif Shafak is becoming one of my favourite writers. ...more
“Affection always feels this way for him, like an undue burden, like putting weight and expectation onto someone else. As if affection were a kind of “Affection always feels this way for him, like an undue burden, like putting weight and expectation onto someone else. As if affection were a kind of cruelty too.�
The story of Real Life by Brandon Taylor has stirred up some mixed and complicated feelings. The novel follows the life of Wallace, a black, gay, graduate student at a predominantly white Midwestern university. I was able to relate very deeply to Wallace's journey through the often challenging and isolating world of academia. The exploration of the intersections of race, sexuality, and mental health that Wallace experiences were profound and vivid, holding deep significance.
The language used is very poetic, and does a good job at addressing the subtle, to the overt racial and sexual discrimination that Wallace faces on a daily basis. Some of the more specific details about interactions Wallace has and intense descriptions from Taylor, were at times overwhelming, but also make the story richer. The unsatisfying ending, while not resolved, does reveal the persistent inactivity and ineffectiveness of Wallace, and left me dissatisfied. Real Life by Brandon Taylor is a good and strong read that really will make the reader consider mental health issues, trauma, and the difficulty of forming an identity in a hostile world. The aspect of trauma can be very exhausting, but it was a book that felt real and important. ...more
In Before the Queen Falls Asleep, Huzama Habayeb depicts the life of Jihad, a Palestinian woman who was raised as her parents' son. Jihad shares her lIn Before the Queen Falls Asleep, Huzama Habayeb depicts the life of Jihad, a Palestinian woman who was raised as her parents' son. Jihad shares her life story with her daughter, Maleka, who is preparing to leave for college. The narrative circles through the family's displacement from Palestine to Kuwait, Jordan, and Dubai, articulating their experiences of love, loss, and resilience in exile.
Habayeb weaves a story that explores the depths of humour and sorrow, interrogating matters of family, structure, and identity in a global context. Jihad's experiences as son-daughter and her tenderness towards and complex emotions for her parents and her daughter are powerful. The non-linear structure, which recalls the Arabian Nights, in which Jihad's stories reveal a little more of her fragility and resilience with each shared tale adds depth to the narrative.
One of the most gratifying aspects of the novel is its characterization. Jihad is a compellingly imperfect and complex character who becomes impossible not to relate to; her love for her family, especially her Maleka, is enduring and sensitively written. The translation by Kay Heikkinen is exceptional in that it maintains much of the prose's essence, and is an accessible experience for an English reader, amplifying Habayeb's cultural richness as a writer.
The non-linear storytelling and numerous characters make the beginning a bit challenging, but persisting through the more challenging parts leads to a profound sense of the life of a Palestinian in exile. The book provides an entry point to a world unfamiliar to many, as well as an honest portrayal of the Palestinian experience with depth and authenticity.
In the end, "Before the Queen Falls Asleep" is a beautifully written novel that discusses the themes of displacement, identity, and family. It is a must-read for readers exploring Palestinian literature and for anyone who enjoys a well-told tale of human resilience and love. ...more
The Forty Rules of Love by Elif Shafak is a captivating and deeply insightful exploration of love, spirituality, and the human experience. What a gem The Forty Rules of Love by Elif Shafak is a captivating and deeply insightful exploration of love, spirituality, and the human experience. What a gem this book is! Shafak seamlessly melds two parallel narratives: a story set in the 13th century which focuses on the mystical journey of Rumi, the famous poet, and his beloved mentor, Shams of Tabriz, and another story set in modern times, which follows the life of Ella Rubenstein, a middle-aged homemaker in Massachusetts.
The spiritual bond between Rumi and Shams, and Shams' Forty Rules of Love provide timeless wisdom about love and faith. Shams, as the teacher and mentor to Rumi, transforms Rumi's life, and challenges social norms. The intense friendship between Rumi and Shams is beautifully described by Shafak, embodying a spiritual awakening and emotional companionship. In contemporary times, Ella Rubenstein's life takes a turn as she begins to review a manuscript about Rumi and Shams. Ella's life intersects with Shams and Rumi's in the manuscript she reviews, causing Ella to question her life, and marriage, and beliefs. The weaving together of Ella's life with the historical narrative results in a story which explores universal themes of love, self-growth, and change.
Elif Shafak creates lyrical language. Her prose is lush and evocative, enveloping the reader with vibrant landscapes of 13th century Konya, and the American everyday life. The success of the book ‘Forty Rules of Love� is exemplified by its adept mix of historical fiction and contemporary existential dilemmas, which offers Romania lessons that are both timeless and relevant. The novel has the dual identity of expressing the existential and spiritual teachings of Rumi and Shams, which bring out the novel’s own spiritual nature, allowing readers to dig deep and think about their own pathways to love and enlightenment.
‘Forty Rules of Love� is a distinct and successful example of historical fiction that uses both well-crafted story-telling and wise spiritual insights. It addresses the deeply aware spiritual reader and is attached to the idea of spiritual vibrancy, where readers are asked to think about the deeper lessons and meanings in the story, and to be quieted by the substantial journey of the profundity of love, faith, and self-experience....more
"Loneliness is the human condition. Cultivate it. The way it tunnels into you allows your soul room to grow."
Wow, what a profound masterpiece 'No Long"Loneliness is the human condition. Cultivate it. The way it tunnels into you allows your soul room to grow."
Wow, what a profound masterpiece 'No Longer Human' is! This novel plunges into the depths of human despair, offering an unflinchingly raw narrative through the troubled life of Oba Yozo. Born into an era of societal upheaval in Japan, Yozo's unconventional upbringing and inner turmoil set the stage for an extraordinary journey that explores the darkest corners of the human psyche.
The novel takes readers on a haunting odyssey as Yozo navigates through various roles, from a mischievous child in rural Japan to a disillusioned adult in the bustling streets of Tokyo. Love, loss, and an ever-present sense of alienation weave together to form the intricate fabric of Yozo's existence. His descent into self-destruction and existential dread challenges conventional expectations and propels the story into the very heart of what it means to be human.
The strength of 'No Longer Human' lies not only in its stark depiction of personal and societal struggles but also in its exploration of themes such as identity, alienation, and the search for meaning. Yozo emerges as a deeply complex and multifaceted protagonist, defying societal norms and grappling with the perpetual feeling of being an outsider. The prose is both stark and lyrical, immersing readers in the vivid tapestry of Yozo's tortured experiences.
The narrative unfolds like a confessional diary, revealing layers of complexity and depth in Yozo's character as he evolves through the various stages of his life. The author's precise storytelling keeps readers captivated, skillfully balancing moments of intense introspection with poignant reflections on identity and the human condition.
'No Longer Human' is truly a modern classic, offering a harrowing and original take on the exploration of existential despair. It is a tale that echoes with a haunting vibrancy, leaving readers eager to delve deeper into its pages and be swept away by the tragic journey of Oba Yozo, one of literature's most intriguing and heart-wrenching figures....more
The Details by Ia Genberg is a short novel that resonates with profound emotional depth, earning its place on the International Booker Prize s⭐⭐⭐⭐.75
The Details by Ia Genberg is a short novel that resonates with profound emotional depth, earning its place on the International Booker Prize shortlist for good reason. This brief yet powerful narrative unfolds as a woman, bedridden with fever, revisits key figures from her past. Genberg’s crystalline prose captures the intricate web of memories and relationships, revealing how our identities are shaped by the people we encounter. The novel’s structure, divided into four sections each dedicated to a significant person in the narrator's life, emphasizes the impact of these connections. The writing is a masterclass in subtlety, with each memory and moment meticulously crafted to evoke a rich array of emotions.
The narrative’s brilliance lies in its ability to find the extraordinary in the seemingly mundane. As the fevered protagonist reflects on her past, we are introduced to Johanna, Niki, Alejandro, and Brigitte, each character leaving an indelible mark on her life. Genberg explores the nuances of these relationships with a deft hand, portraying how love, loss, and longing shape our inner worlds. The novel poses profound questions about identity and memory, asking whether we are truly the creators of our stories or merely the subjects within them.
The novel's non-linear structure and its focus on small, intimate moments allow for a deep exploration of the protagonist’s psyche. Genberg’s ability to convey complex emotions through sparse, elegant prose is nothing short of remarkable. This book is a vivid portrait of a life examined through the lens of relationships. It’s a poignant reminder that our lives are composed of fleeting moments and the impressions left by others, making The Details an unforgettable and thought-provoking read. ...more
In Defence of the Act by Effie Black is an extraordinary novel that left me speechless and bewildered by its omission from the Women's Prize shortlistIn Defence of the Act by Effie Black is an extraordinary novel that left me speechless and bewildered by its omission from the Women's Prize shortlist. It is a raw, poignant, and at times absurdly funny exploration of mental health, queerness, and the complexity of human relationships.
The story centers on Jessica Miller, a scientist researching suicidal behavior, who holds the controversial belief that, in certain circumstances, suicide can be a morally right choice. Her research, involving the study of suicidal behavior in spiders, is interwoven with personal anecdotes and flashbacks that reveal her tumultuous life, including an abusive father whose portrayal is so realistic and harrowing it resonated deeply with my own experiences as a survivor.
Effie Black's writing is a masterclass in balancing humor with heavy themes. Jessica's journey is both heart-wrenching and enlightening as she navigates her own trauma, her queerness, and the lives of those around her. The narrative is structured around her reflections on various people in her life who have ended their own lives, juxtaposed with her evolving views on the act itself. The novel's ability to find humor in dark moments without undermining the gravity of the subject is a testament to Black's skill as a writer.
The novel also shines as a queer coming-of-age story. Jessica's relationships, particularly her love story with Jamie, are beautifully depicted, highlighting how love and connection can be intertwined with the decision to end one's life. The book club scene discussing "A Little Life" by Hanya Yanagihara adds a meta layer to the narrative, cleverly critiquing public reactions to controversial literature.
In Defence of the Act is not an easy read, but it is an essential one. It offers an insightful and nuanced look at suicide, trauma, and identity, all while maintaining a sharp wit and a tender heart. Effie Black has crafted a debut that is both bold and singular, making her a voice to watch in contemporary fiction....more
“The Crooked Plow," shortlisted for the International Booker Prize 2024, is a captivating novel that intertwines magical realism with the rich tapestr“The Crooked Plow," shortlisted for the International Booker Prize 2024, is a captivating novel that intertwines magical realism with the rich tapestry of Brazilian folklore and tradition. Reminiscent of Gabriel García Márquez's "One Hundred Years of Solitude," this novel by Itamar Vieira Junior explores the profound complexities of family, spirituality, and resilience amidst the backdrop of Brazil's deep-rooted racial and economic injustices.
Set in the neglected Bahia hinterland, the story follows two sisters whose lives are forever altered when they uncover an ancient knife beneath their grandmother's bed. What begins as a moment of mystification quickly spirals into a series of shuddering events that bind the sisters together in ways they never imagined. Through Vieira Junior's evocative prose, readers are immersed in a world where magic and reality blur, as the characters navigate the enduring legacies of slavery, political strife, and the struggle for existence.
With each page, "The Crooked Plow" unfolds as a poignant meditation on the human experience, delving into themes of resilience, injustice, and the enduring power of familial bonds. Vieira Junior's storytelling prowess shines as he crafts a narrative that is both haunting and mesmerizing, drawing readers into a world where the past echoes in the present and the line between myth and reality is beautifully blurred. As the novel grapples with the complexities of history and identity, it emerges as a powerful testament to the indomitable spirit of those who refuse to be silenced by the forces of oppression.
Intricately layered and deeply moving, "The Crooked Plow" stands as a masterpiece of contemporary Brazilian literature, offering readers a glimpse into the lives of those who have been marginalized and forgotten. With its vivid imagery, rich cultural tapestry, and profound storytelling, this novel cements Itamar Vieira Junior's place as a leading voice in Brazilian literature, captivating audiences with its timeless exploration of love, loss, and the enduring quest for freedom. It is certainly a worthy contender for this year’s International Booker Prize. ...more
I don’t usually re-read books but I know I will definitely come back to this one. What a whirlwind of emotions it is!
The narrative follows Sonia NasiI don’t usually re-read books but I know I will definitely come back to this one. What a whirlwind of emotions it is!
The narrative follows Sonia Nasir, an actress struggling to cope with the aftermath of a love affair, as she returns to her family's homeland of Palestine after years of absence. From the bustling streets of Haifa to the rehearsals of a production of Hamlet in the West Bank, Hammad skilfully navigates the complexities of diaspora, displacement, and the enduring power of familial bonds. What struck me most about "Enter Ghost" was its ability to seamlessly weave together the personal and the political, inviting readers to delve into the intricacies of Palestinian life with intelligence and empathy. Through Sonia's eyes, we witness the everyday struggles of people determined to retain their identity and resilience in the face of constant adversity.
I was genuinely captivated by the richly drawn characters and the nuanced exploration of themes such as family, identity, and the power of art in times of crisis. While the novel may be dense at times, its payoff is undeniable, culminating in a deeply satisfying climax full of symbolism. This novel can be enjoyed on multiple levels, each reading offering new insights and revelations. It is constructed in a very clever way and although not an easy read, it certainly proves to be one of the most rewarding and important novels of this year. ...more
"Until August" is a delightful glimpse into the world of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, one of literature's greatest masters. While there's a hint of conflic"Until August" is a delightful glimpse into the world of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, one of literature's greatest masters. While there's a hint of conflict in knowing that this novella was published against his wishes by his family, it's hard not to be drawn in by Marquez's unmistakable writing style that transports you right into the heart of the narrative. As a fan of Marquez's iconic works, diving into "Until August" felt like reuniting with an old friend, albeit with a twinge of apprehension about how it would measure up.
Yet, any worries were quickly dispelled as I found myself immersed in Marquez's storytelling prowess once again. Despite its brevity, "Until August" manages to touch on deeper existential issues, leaving a lingering impact long after the final page. The tale of Ana Magdalena Bach, her annual pilgrimage, and her contemplation of freedom, regret, and the mysteries of love is both poignant and sensual, showcasing Marquez's ability to capture the complexities of the human experience in a short form.
While some may lament the novella's short length, I found it to be a perfect encapsulation of Marquez's genius. The translation is excellent, preserving the essence of Marquez's prose in a way that feels authentic and evocative. "Until August" may be a brief interlude in Marquez's literary legacy, but it's a captivating one that serves as a reminder of his enduring brilliance....more
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