A review by claudiearseneault
Cycling to Asylum by Su J. Sokol
challenging
dark
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
It's hard to describe this book. In itself, the setting and some of the events are really dark, hard to swallow and follow. Yet the writing is incredibly luminous, and CYCLING TO ASYLUM feels more like a ray of hope than anything else. In so many ways, this is a story about the soft resilience of a broken man and his family.
It's hard not to feel for all the characters, even when you disapprove of their actions. Especially Laek. Laek will make you want to hug him, and make you glad Janie is there to do it in your stead. A special thank you for the fantastic treatment of Laek's bisexuality, the simplicity in it and his powerful relationship with Philip.
All the French when they get to Montréal is so great, too. It's so sweet that this Utopia they cycle to feels and sounds like home (I'm from Quebec City). Made a fantastic novel even better.
It's hard not to feel for all the characters, even when you disapprove of their actions. Especially Laek. Laek will make you want to hug him, and make you glad Janie is there to do it in your stead. A special thank you for the fantastic treatment of Laek's bisexuality, the simplicity in it and his powerful relationship with Philip.
All the French when they get to Montréal is so great, too. It's so sweet that this Utopia they cycle to feels and sounds like home (I'm from Quebec City). Made a fantastic novel even better.