A review by pja_gsh
Turning by Jessica J. Lee

4.0

Reading this memoir reminded me of a childhood favourite, Ruskin Bond. While he wrote of the crisp mountain air, she writes about the temperamental Berlin lakes. I love Jessica's honesty about the messy parts of her life- the strong associations she makes with every part of her journey - from packing the boiled eggs to stepping out of the lake and making small talk- It's all so deliberate and raw. The descriptions are vivid and at such a molecular level, if that makes sense? I do wish it was a bit more metaphorical and less literal at points. All in all, it is a book that pushes me to jump on my bike and explore the wild side of Berlin's landscape. Recommended!