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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