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boliv3's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Very well-written but very slow paced and the ending was abrupt. Felt aimless, which may have been intentional since the character seems to move aimlessly through life.
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse
monalyisha's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
3.75
This novel is, quite literally, meandering. Convinced she’s a changeling, Vivian, a neurodivergent woman, wanders the streets of Dublin all day in search of the places where the walls between worlds are thinnest so she can reverse the fairies’ switch and go back home. She draws the shape of her route when she returns to her house (which she inherits from a deceased aunt). Sometimes, her route is a teacup; sometimes half the letter “T” in cursive. She was often whispers “safe, safe, safe” to self-soothe, and is constantly searching for home, for somewhere she might fit in and not seem so strange.
The writing style is stream of consciousness. Language is something that Vivian takes very seriously (and something with which Lally obviously feels comfortable playing). I think this is a book you have to be in the mood for. At the end of the year, when I’m trying to sneak as many reads in as possible, my head wasn’t quite in it. My heart, though, didn’t remain untouched. While the visceral quality of the writing reminded me a bit of Otessa Moshfegh’s or Sayaka Murata’s (in a way that I honestly don’t love), Lally’s writing and her protagonist were filled with much more warmth and kindness.
The story was lonely, and horribly sad, and funny…but mostly lonely. I rooted for Vivian at the same time that I desperately wished she’d shower (and that someone would care for her enough to get her to eat some kale). I wish I’d read this during a time of year when I had more patience and generosity of spirit. It was clever, odd, and tender.
*TW: child abuse
The writing style is stream of consciousness. Language is something that Vivian takes very seriously (and something with which Lally obviously feels comfortable playing). I think this is a book you have to be in the mood for. At the end of the year, when I’m trying to sneak as many reads in as possible, my head wasn’t quite in it. My heart, though, didn’t remain untouched. While the visceral quality of the writing reminded me a bit of Otessa Moshfegh’s or Sayaka Murata’s (in a way that I honestly don’t love), Lally’s writing and her protagonist were filled with much more warmth and kindness.
The story was lonely, and horribly sad, and funny…but mostly lonely. I rooted for Vivian at the same time that I desperately wished she’d shower (and that someone would care for her enough to get her to eat some kale). I wish I’d read this during a time of year when I had more patience and generosity of spirit. It was clever, odd, and tender.
*TW: child abuse
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse
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