A review by savvylit
Intimacies by Katie Kitamura

emotional reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.0

This is a quiet novel about a woman who is being exploited to varying degrees by her job, her romantic relationship, and a developing friendship. Her lover has gone to visit his ex-wife and stopped texting. Her position at the ICJ requires her to constantly translate gruesome war crimes. A new friend doesn't tell the whole truth. Our protagonist is consistently in a state of transition and indecision - should she stay in the Hague, should she extend her contract?

Overall, Intimacies is an interesting slice-of-life novel. But it's almost too quiet and too plotless. There were hints of mystery that I had hoped would develop further but ultimately petered out. Perhaps I just wasn't in the right mindset to appreciate this novel.

Lastly, this was a belated read for @occuhazard.bookclub which I love and which consistently has thought-provoking workplace novels on the roster.
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