A review by nisanatreads
Reinheit by Garth Greenwell
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Wowza. What a book. I heard before that Garth Greenwell is a writer that you can't get around when trying to delve into queer contemporary literature. Now I understand why. This book really gives insight into what it means to be queer in society today, especially in Eastern Europe, and in relation to politics.
The book contains stories of an American living in Sofia, Bulgaria, as a teacher for bilingual high schoolers. They all center around his queerness but highlight different aspects. There are stories that tackle his relationships with his students, his mentoring of queer youth and the responsibility he feels to make them feel understood and seen. Then there are stories that are hard to stomach (that in my opinion should've had trigger warnings!) because they showcase BDSM sex scenes that have nothing in common with what's depicted in popular culture today. But they're also psychological and deeply interesting to read because of the shifting dynamics between the men and cultures.
My favourite parts were whenever his boyfriend from Portugal came up because it felt uneasy but also like a whirlwind romance all at once. It made me appreciate how well Greenwell writes emotional turmoil. ❤️🩹
I have to admit that I know next to nothing about Bulgaria and Bulgarians. This novel makes a wonderful case of one day visiting. Obviously the political landscape is not what draws me in but rather the depiction of how politics and recent history have shaped this country and its people.
Find me on Instagram @nisanatreads
The book contains stories of an American living in Sofia, Bulgaria, as a teacher for bilingual high schoolers. They all center around his queerness but highlight different aspects. There are stories that tackle his relationships with his students, his mentoring of queer youth and the responsibility he feels to make them feel understood and seen. Then there are stories that are hard to stomach (that in my opinion should've had trigger warnings!) because they showcase BDSM sex scenes that have nothing in common with what's depicted in popular culture today. But they're also psychological and deeply interesting to read because of the shifting dynamics between the men and cultures.
My favourite parts were whenever his boyfriend from Portugal came up because it felt uneasy but also like a whirlwind romance all at once. It made me appreciate how well Greenwell writes emotional turmoil. ❤️🩹
I have to admit that I know next to nothing about Bulgaria and Bulgarians. This novel makes a wonderful case of one day visiting. Obviously the political landscape is not what draws me in but rather the depiction of how politics and recent history have shaped this country and its people.
Find me on Instagram @nisanatreads
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Sexual violence