bkish's review
5.0
Dont read my reviews if your readings are mainstream if you follow the crowd
This is such an extraordinary deep book that it would b very easy to miss that here. katie KItamura asks the reader to pull off the covers and glimpse at whats already there unacknowledged.
Her character who speaks what happens what is observed what is said and unsaid IS the author. A young woman polylingual single alone is Netherlands in The Hague working contract as interpreter of high profike intl cases . She is awakening in a world where evil men have power. She traffics in language works in the space between languages.
This book happens on multiple levels
Judy g
This is such an extraordinary deep book that it would b very easy to miss that here. katie KItamura asks the reader to pull off the covers and glimpse at whats already there unacknowledged.
Her character who speaks what happens what is observed what is said and unsaid IS the author. A young woman polylingual single alone is Netherlands in The Hague working contract as interpreter of high profike intl cases . She is awakening in a world where evil men have power. She traffics in language works in the space between languages.
This book happens on multiple levels
Judy g
babro_soya's review
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.5
Didn't "get" this, but still enjoyed reading about this seemingly detached translator in The Hague, because I found this premise quite unique.
galpalrachel's review
reflective
slow-paced
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Genocide, Violence, and Injury/injury detail
Minor: Death of parent
ladyvalady's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
1.0
maylois's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
jiscoo's review against another edition
dark
reflective
tense
3.5
a really engaging, tautly narrated book. thematically (particularly re: meditations on language and translation) and in terms of character dynamics, it reminded me a lot of naoise dolan's exciting times. the characters and their relationships felt real and compelling, if a little underutilized in some cases. this is a book I want to reread--I can't help feeling like there were a few chekhov's guns that never went off, though that may be a stylistic choice.
but good god, the comma splices. approximately every third sentence contains a comma splice, and it was constantly so distracting. I sincerely hope that was intentional (though I can't imagine why) because if not,,, the editor has some explaining to do
but good god, the comma splices. approximately every third sentence contains a comma splice, and it was constantly so distracting. I sincerely hope that was intentional (though I can't imagine why) because if not,,, the editor has some explaining to do
kdhanda's review
5.0
A stark depiction of power in friendships, love and justice. The writing is spare, yet elegant. Kitamura choses her works sparingly and the result is a tour de force.
baileybooks's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
sydapel's review
challenging
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Short and yet deeply contemplative, I was really fascinated by the deep level of observance and perception Kitamura extends to her main character and by extension, the reader. A book about the language and behavior of others, it also speaks about being at a crossroads so powerfully, even if the ending wasn't what I was expecting or maybe hoped for. I really found myself immersed in this person's mind and experiences, and if you're looking for something short to sink into, this is perfect.
Content Warnings
Moderate: War, Violence, Racism, Murder, Gun violence, Genocide, and Hate crime