A review by dizzzybrook
My Work by Olga Ravn

emotional sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

What Ravn has done here is quite impressive. Utilizing a variety of writing styles and techniques that force readers to confront the uncomfortable truths about childbirth and motherhood, the narrator brings to light some daunting questions about identity. While there are many undeniably striking prose and sentiments throughout, I can’t help but think that the structure of “My Work” ultimately distracts from the story being told. About halfway through, I had a feeling that I knew where the book was heading and unfortunately I was correct. If you have read works like Nettel’s “Still Born”, or Kawakami’s “Breasts and Eggs”, you might know what I’m getting at here.. I do not think this is a must read by any means but I did enjoy my time spent with it. This is not a book that will work for everyone but as far as experimental writing goes, I would say Ravn succeeded in crafting a piece of writing worth exploring.
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