A review by arisclay
Zorrie by Laird Hunt

emotional inspiring reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

As a 23-year-old still figuring out life, relationships, and the inevitability of mortality, Zorrie felt like a quiet but profound companion on my journey. Laird Hunt’s writing spoke to me in ways I didn’t expect, capturing the loneliness, the yearning, and the resilience of a woman who endures so much.

Zorrie’s story isn’t loud or fast-paced, but that’s what made it so moving. It reflects the slow passage of time, the weight of solitude, and the beauty of small, everyday moments. Her connection to the people she loved, even after they were gone, resonated deeply with me, as I’m still learning what it means to love and lose.

Hunt’s descriptions of rural life, the farm, and the Midwest landscapes felt timeless and gave me a sense of peace while reading. But it’s Zorrie’s inner life, her quiet strength in the face of so much hardship, that left me reflecting on what it means to live a meaningful life, even in the midst of suffering.

It’s not just a novel about one woman—it’s a meditation on the things we all go through, especially as we grow older: love, grief, hope, and the small joys that keep us going. For anyone feeling lost or lonely, Zorrie will give you a gentle, reassuring hand and remind you that life, in all its pain and beauty, is still worth living.