A review by nordstina
The Loneliness Files by Athena Dixon

reflective slow-paced

3.0

The Loneliness Files is an innovative memoir tackling the topic of loneliness in some interesting ways. Several of the essays identify different women both real and fictional that Dixon finds herself relating to or fixating on. A woman died and was not discovered for three years and the author reflects on isolation and loneliness and compares herself to her. She also reflects on another women who dies at a supposedly haunted hotel. In fiction, she highlights the dual role that Lupita Nyong'o plays in Us and the duality she must maintain her life. Dixon also reflects on her dating life and what she wants in a relationship. At times I found this to be a bit unfocused- while the first part of the book appeared quite cohesive, I lost my way as the book continued and did not quite get what Dixon was trying to portray. I still appreciate the swing she took on this one- loneliness is a topic that could be explored more.

Thanks to Tin House for the advance reader copy in exchange for honest review.