I got 50% through… but with so many amazing books out there fighting for my limited reading time, I couldn’t give this one any more. I am really surprised it made the long list.
It makes sense. Normally, I encourage people to move on when a book isn’t for them. But it is also why I mentioned that the ending is what really makes this book come together. I think this will be one of those reads that a lot of people don’t really get unfortunately.
This is a fantastic review! I read the book a week ago and I have not been able to articulate my thoughts about it, yet it's a book I cannot stop thinking about. I did like the book but it was not easy to read. I was curious enough about the main character to keep going and I'm glad I did. It's definitely a book that will make you question what is going on but it all works. I don't think I've ever read anything like it. It's odd but also oddly compelling. You really summed it up perfectly.
Thank you for this comment! I’m so glad to hear that you read through to the end and that it was a better experience for it. I don’t think I’ve quite read anything like it either. It really isn’t approachable, but it is interesting and there is meaning buried in there.
Interesting idea but too bad that it is difficult to get into! I don't really keep up with book prizes but I am interested to see what you think of some of these books 😊
Yeah, it’s not a book that is going to be mainstream popular. It’ll be more niche and for people that like experimental literary fiction I think. That’s how it started for me. I just enjoyed the reviews and then got sucked into it. We’ll see how it goes this year.
Great to hear your thoughts - it’s good to know that it’s one that needs some up front investment. Looking forward to getting to it to see if I agree 🤩
I just finished the book and it was a tough one. I think it's one of those books where if you do make it through and then spend the time to puzzle out some of the enigmatic symbolism, that time figuring it out is an added reward. I didn't enjoy the prose with its short clipped sentences or the main character but I think if I read it again slower and pull more meaning out of it, I'll find it rewarding if not enjoyable. Thanks for the review. It's fun reading the same set of books with other booktubers. It's like we are in a big international book club!
Exactly. It’s one of those books that requires work and I think that is off putting to the average reader. The prose is clipped and stark, so it isn’t a lovely poetic experience. I think a lot of people are going to miss out on this one.
Great review. I've actually DNFed this book a second time, I gave it as long as I could, but, it's not for me. It is nice to hear what you got out of it, even if you nailed a major reason I didn't continue (the characterisation).
I really wanted to DNF it, but I’ve told myself I’m going to read all the way through on the Longlist books. I definitely think the ending makes it make sense, but it still doesn’t make it enjoyable or easy.
Excellent review of this extremely difficult book to talk about. I did read it through to the end despite several trusted reader friends DNFing or giving it one star (begrudgingly) . There is really nothing else like it. I found a lot of humor and a lot of sadness in it. Since I did cry at the end, I guess I was able to have empathy for and develop some attachment with the protagonist. I call this a very interesting novel and I’m so glad I used my own judgment and decided to read it. Thank you for this insightful and thorough review. 😊
I'm so sorry for the late response. I'm thrilled to hear from someone else who finished it. Interesting is a good way to put it. It's difficult and challenging, but there is meaning there if you persist through it. I just think that unfortunately it won't be commercial enough to appeal to a lot of people.
Great review! Interesting about the main character not having an "identity" in a sense. I think it would be hard for me to have empathy and an attachment to that type of character as well. It was interesting to hear why you choice to try this one based on the relationships in your own life. :)
I’ve just read this and I think you present a very balanced review here. When I finished it I actually felt angry because I was pretty sure of what was happening from around 50 pages in and then it really annoyed me that I was right all along. I’ll have to have a good think before rating it or reviewing it. Such a strange book.
It is definitely a strange book! I liked parts of it, but not the whole thing. I’m glad the review was balanced, as I try really hard not to just outright shred a book. Thanks for stopping by!
Doesn't sound like something I would pick up... but I applaud you for sticking with it! That is one of the reasons why I don't usually DNF... cause the later parts of a book can totally change things and turn things around 🤗
This was such a great review. Helps me process the book since I only just finished it. I haven't done much looking into the author so I think that will help putting it into context. I didnt like this book very much. But also want to try reading it again sometime in the future (I listened to audiobook).
If you do start researching the author, there is a letter she wrote to the president of Yale (pretty sure it was Yale) about his response to a student contracting Ebola. I thought that was a really well done letter and it will give you a very clear view of who she is.
Oh thanks! I was able to find that. I didnt even realize she was local to me. That's how blind I went into this book! I live very close to the Yale campus.
Good review , interesting a thinker..
Thank you! Yes, definitely a thinker.
I got 50% through… but with so many amazing books out there fighting for my limited reading time, I couldn’t give this one any more. I am really surprised it made the long list.
It makes sense. Normally, I encourage people to move on when a book isn’t for them. But it is also why I mentioned that the ending is what really makes this book come together. I think this will be one of those reads that a lot of people don’t really get unfortunately.
This is a fantastic review! I read the book a week ago and I have not been able to articulate my thoughts about it, yet it's a book I cannot stop thinking about. I did like the book but it was not easy to read. I was curious enough about the main character to keep going and I'm glad I did. It's definitely a book that will make you question what is going on but it all works. I don't think I've ever read anything like it. It's odd but also oddly compelling. You really summed it up perfectly.
Thank you for this comment! I’m so glad to hear that you read through to the end and that it was a better experience for it. I don’t think I’ve quite read anything like it either. It really isn’t approachable, but it is interesting and there is meaning buried in there.
Interesting idea but too bad that it is difficult to get into! I don't really keep up with book prizes but I am interested to see what you think of some of these books 😊
Yeah, it’s not a book that is going to be mainstream popular. It’ll be more niche and for people that like experimental literary fiction I think. That’s how it started for me. I just enjoyed the reviews and then got sucked into it. We’ll see how it goes this year.
I tried this one and couldn’t get into it, for the reasons you mentioned. I appreciate your thoughts!
Yeah. The writing style is not the most accessible or comfortable. There is meaning, but a lot of it is packed at the end. Thanks for dropping by!
Great to hear your thoughts - it’s good to know that it’s one that needs some up front investment. Looking forward to getting to it to see if I agree 🤩
Yes! I won’t say that it’s ever super enjoyable, but it definitely makes far more sense if you make it to the end.
I just finished the book and it was a tough one. I think it's one of those books where if you do make it through and then spend the time to puzzle out some of the enigmatic symbolism, that time figuring it out is an added reward. I didn't enjoy the prose with its short clipped sentences or the main character but I think if I read it again slower and pull more meaning out of it, I'll find it rewarding if not enjoyable. Thanks for the review. It's fun reading the same set of books with other booktubers. It's like we are in a big international book club!
Exactly. It’s one of those books that requires work and I think that is off putting to the average reader. The prose is clipped and stark, so it isn’t a lovely poetic experience. I think a lot of people are going to miss out on this one.
Great review. I've actually DNFed this book a second time, I gave it as long as I could, but, it's not for me. It is nice to hear what you got out of it, even if you nailed a major reason I didn't continue (the characterisation).
I really wanted to DNF it, but I’ve told myself I’m going to read all the way through on the Longlist books. I definitely think the ending makes it make sense, but it still doesn’t make it enjoyable or easy.
Excellent review of this extremely difficult book to talk about. I did read it through to the end despite several trusted reader friends DNFing or giving it one star (begrudgingly) .
There is really nothing else like it. I found a lot of humor and a lot of sadness in it. Since I did cry at the end, I guess I was able to have empathy for and develop some attachment with the protagonist. I call this a very interesting novel and I’m so glad I used my own judgment and decided to read it. Thank you for this insightful and thorough review. 😊
I'm so sorry for the late response. I'm thrilled to hear from someone else who finished it. Interesting is a good way to put it. It's difficult and challenging, but there is meaning there if you persist through it. I just think that unfortunately it won't be commercial enough to appeal to a lot of people.
Great review! Interesting about the main character not having an "identity" in a sense. I think it would be hard for me to have empathy and an attachment to that type of character as well. It was interesting to hear why you choice to try this one based on the relationships in your own life. :)
Thank you! It was interesting reading a book where you couldn’t identify with the MC. I think this one would be a hard book for many people.
I’ve just read this and I think you present a very balanced review here. When I finished it I actually felt angry because I was pretty sure of what was happening from around 50 pages in and then it really annoyed me that I was right all along. I’ll have to have a good think before rating it or reviewing it. Such a strange book.
It is definitely a strange book! I liked parts of it, but not the whole thing. I’m glad the review was balanced, as I try really hard not to just outright shred a book. Thanks for stopping by!
Doesn't sound like something I would pick up... but I applaud you for sticking with it! That is one of the reasons why I don't usually DNF... cause the later parts of a book can totally change things and turn things around 🤗
It's not a book that I really know who would want to read it. And I feel you on the DNF-ing. I have similar anxieties about it.
I don't follow book prizes, but I enjoy hearing your thoughts on them.
Thank you!
This was such a great review. Helps me process the book since I only just finished it. I haven't done much looking into the author so I think that will help putting it into context. I didnt like this book very much. But also want to try reading it again sometime in the future (I listened to audiobook).
If you do start researching the author, there is a letter she wrote to the president of Yale (pretty sure it was Yale) about his response to a student contracting Ebola. I thought that was a really well done letter and it will give you a very clear view of who she is.
Oh thanks! I was able to find that. I didnt even realize she was local to me. That's how blind I went into this book! I live very close to the Yale campus.