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A review by 2treads
The Four Humors by Mina Seçkin
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
...as if a body were something to tell in words. As if one could tell a body, not see a body, and what was missing.
I became interested in this title after taking an Ancient Egypt course and learning of their use of these four humors and their levels in the body as a measure of overall health.
As I read I wondered how Seçkin would weave the four humors into her narrative and if it would be effective in communicating subject, character, and relationships. And she used it to explain our main characters modes of being and expressions.
Sibel uses her preoccupation with the humors as a way to ineffectively deal with her reality, instead choosing to engage with her anxieties, silence and refusal to face her grief on a plane where no one can reach her.
Seçkin uses this story to not only explore Sibel's journey, but to highlight themes of family, belonging, culture, and history. How generational bonds to historical homelands, social activism, and political unrest can weigh on the bonds to our place of birth.
I loved the spirit and attitude of our MC's grandmother. She was interesting and her control despite her illness made her presence shine through in the dialogue and interactions.
I became interested in this title after taking an Ancient Egypt course and learning of their use of these four humors and their levels in the body as a measure of overall health.
As I read I wondered how Seçkin would weave the four humors into her narrative and if it would be effective in communicating subject, character, and relationships. And she used it to explain our main characters modes of being and expressions.
Sibel uses her preoccupation with the humors as a way to ineffectively deal with her reality, instead choosing to engage with her anxieties, silence and refusal to face her grief on a plane where no one can reach her.
Seçkin uses this story to not only explore Sibel's journey, but to highlight themes of family, belonging, culture, and history. How generational bonds to historical homelands, social activism, and political unrest can weigh on the bonds to our place of birth.
I loved the spirit and attitude of our MC's grandmother. She was interesting and her control despite her illness made her presence shine through in the dialogue and interactions.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Eating disorder