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mj_86's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
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
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship and Forced institutionalization
Minor: Eating disorder
cecereads__'s review against another edition
4.25
Deborah Levy does subtlety really well. She’s quite the master of it imo, and she especially knows how to do it mixed with the unexpected which is a contradiction in a way but that’s what’s accomplished. The way the story weaves things and personalities and “destinies” together in a cryptic but clear way makes for a very interesting read. The story takes place during a week of summer vacation so physically (location) we stay somewhat still, but mentally in terms of growth is where all the change and chain-reactions happen.
I almost wanted to know more and explore the characters and their connection further but it wasn’t what the story was about or what the story was “meant” to give it’s reader - but I didn’t feel like it was missing, if that makes sense, I knew that it was supposed to be the way it is where we simply know most characters in the periphery (as much as you would know someone during the span of a week).
I found the last chapter - 17 years after the week in France - quite intriguing as it was the most subtle and unexpected in a way. As if the week wasn’t that big a deal or that life-altering even though it was; the ambivalence of it while speaking as if it was any other “random” week from the past as in “oh yeah, by the way…” - idk. But that’s just my initial take on it
I almost wanted to know more and explore the characters and their connection further but it wasn’t what the story was about or what the story was “meant” to give it’s reader - but I didn’t feel like it was missing, if that makes sense, I knew that it was supposed to be the way it is where we simply know most characters in the periphery (as much as you would know someone during the span of a week).
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Animal cruelty, Body shaming, Death, Drug use, Gun violence, Infidelity, Mental illness, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Forced institutionalization, and Alcohol
heidi_meredith's review against another edition
dark
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
I had never heard of Deborah Levy before but will definitely look for more of her work. Using repetition she cleverly reveals more each time, challenging the reader's initial assumptions and showing the power of omission. I found the characters and their interplay realistic, albeit in a sad and dark way. There was something about the soles of feet and characters picking at them or treading on things. I still can't work out the significance of this and can't remember all the details as I'm writing this after a delay. Perhaps I'll have to read it again one day, but I was content to notice and let it be a mystery. I did wonder if it was about hidden irritations and influences lying beneath the surface of our interactions with others. But might be completely wrong.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship
afion's review against another edition
challenging
dark
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
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Suicide
Minor: Ableism, Adult/minor relationship, and Fatphobia