maya_d's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
gwynny's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
gothchinchilla's review
2.0
in an alternative universe, there is another version of this book that doesn't drag so much
mysticalmanifest's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.75
The plot of this novel is truly unique and I love the elements of art and multiple universe. It's such an incredible story.
wellreadwyvern's review
5.0
Self-Portrait With Nothing, by Aimee Pokwatka, uses the theory of parallel universes to explore relationships, self-doubt, abandonment, and the search for happiness.
The disappearance of Pepper’s birth mother, Ula Frost, sends her on an international journey full of mysteries, riddles, and danger. Ula is a famous painter, and her clients claim that she has the ability to reach other universes through her art.
As a scientist, Pepper doesn’t believe in the existence of parallel universes, but that doesn’t stop her from thinking, “What if?” She constantly doubts herself and imagines other Peppers who make different choices and live happier lives.
Prospective readers should not mistake this novel for science fiction. It is a missing-person mystery combined with a bit of fantasy. Pokwatka’s focus on the themes of self-actualization, the trials of marriage, and mother-daughter relationships create a rich and accessible story.
The reflective nature of the novel will likely appeal to fans of literary fiction. There is also enough plot progression and intrigue to interest mystery readers. It’s perfect for those, like me, who enjoy genre mashups and are always looking for something slightly unusual.
Thank you to Macmillan-Tor/Forge, tordotcom, and NetGalley for providing access to this eARC.
The disappearance of Pepper’s birth mother, Ula Frost, sends her on an international journey full of mysteries, riddles, and danger. Ula is a famous painter, and her clients claim that she has the ability to reach other universes through her art.
As a scientist, Pepper doesn’t believe in the existence of parallel universes, but that doesn’t stop her from thinking, “What if?” She constantly doubts herself and imagines other Peppers who make different choices and live happier lives.
Prospective readers should not mistake this novel for science fiction. It is a missing-person mystery combined with a bit of fantasy. Pokwatka’s focus on the themes of self-actualization, the trials of marriage, and mother-daughter relationships create a rich and accessible story.
The reflective nature of the novel will likely appeal to fans of literary fiction. There is also enough plot progression and intrigue to interest mystery readers. It’s perfect for those, like me, who enjoy genre mashups and are always looking for something slightly unusual.
Thank you to Macmillan-Tor/Forge, tordotcom, and NetGalley for providing access to this eARC.
cchristensen's review
3.0
⭐️Official Rating: 3.3⭐️
If you could meet yourself from an alternate universe, would you?
This book is broken into three parts, so that’s how I’ll review it. No spoilers included, I won’t even divulge how the plot goes. (Hehe)
Part 1 - This portion of the book felt slow moving and almost repetitive. I think this took a majority of my time reading, as it took 2 months to complete while the other parts took me about 2 days. The character development and scenarios didn’t appeal to me as much as I was hoping they would. It gave the same feeling as trying to make friends with someone you aren’t truly vibing with…something’s off.
The main character seemed dull and I swear her brain couldn’t develop new thoughts for the life of her. Also, she was seriously attached to her cell phone. Definitely worth getting through to get to the other parts.
Part 2 - It starts to pick up here. The introduction to lots of new characters, big reveals, and suspense. It gave kind of a creepy vibe, but not so much where I needed to put the book down. More so that I needed to finish this mystery asap to see how it concluded. Better characters were introduced here.
Part 3 - Short and sweet. A wholesome conclusion for a book that made me slightly uncomfortable the entire time. If you like alternate dimensions, art theft, and mystery, this book checks all the boxes.
If you could meet yourself from an alternate universe, would you?
This book is broken into three parts, so that’s how I’ll review it. No spoilers included, I won’t even divulge how the plot goes. (Hehe)
Part 1 - This portion of the book felt slow moving and almost repetitive. I think this took a majority of my time reading, as it took 2 months to complete while the other parts took me about 2 days. The character development and scenarios didn’t appeal to me as much as I was hoping they would. It gave the same feeling as trying to make friends with someone you aren’t truly vibing with…something’s off.
The main character seemed dull and I swear her brain couldn’t develop new thoughts for the life of her. Also, she was seriously attached to her cell phone. Definitely worth getting through to get to the other parts.
Part 2 - It starts to pick up here. The introduction to lots of new characters, big reveals, and suspense. It gave kind of a creepy vibe, but not so much where I needed to put the book down. More so that I needed to finish this mystery asap to see how it concluded. Better characters were introduced here.
Part 3 - Short and sweet. A wholesome conclusion for a book that made me slightly uncomfortable the entire time. If you like alternate dimensions, art theft, and mystery, this book checks all the boxes.
mburnsides's review
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Death, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Blood, Fire/Fire injury, and Grief
rivalreads's review
4.0
this book captured me with its prose and thoughtfulness. the first 75% especially had me in its clutches. the last quarter felt inevitable but also lost me a bit, and didn't wrap up as neatly as i wanted it to. but damn that first 75%.
also ike deserves the world
also ike deserves the world