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pzdrnk's reviews
33 reviews
Franz Kafka's The Castle by David Fishelson, Franz Kafka, Max Brod, Aaron Leichter
4.0
The Castle is quintessential Kafka, where the absurdities of life are not just observed, but relentlessly mocked. Kafka’s critique of society feels universal, as he exposes how we are all trapped—by our character, our past, and our place in the social order. He mocks both the lowly and the elite with equal fervor, suggesting that no one is exempt from the suffocating forces of bureaucracy, power, and alienation. His writing captures a sense of hopelessness and absurdity that resonates on a deeply personal and existential level.
Kala by Colin Walsh
3.5
Kala blends literary fiction with elements of a thriller, and I found it most captivating when it embraced its literary side. The novel shifts between two timelines, which can sometimes feel disorienting, and with a large cast of characters, it takes some effort to keep track of everyone.
The childhood timeline, in particular, stood out for me—there was something deeply engaging about discovering the characters during their formative years. I found myself far more invested in that period of their lives than the later, thriller-driven sections.
While there’s a lot to appreciate about the book, I did find the pacing uneven, particularly as the story hurtled toward its conclusion. For someone who isn’t particularly drawn to thrillers, the last third felt less compelling, but it doesn’t detract from the overall complexity and depth of the narrative. There’s much to enjoy here, even if it doesn’t fully hit the mark for every reader.
1984 by George Orwell
5.0
1984 by George Orwell is a timeless masterpiece of political fiction and a must-read for all, regardless of political leanings. Written in the aftermath of WWII, it reflects the political tensions of its time while delivering a powerful and enduring plea for individual freedom and social justice—values as urgent today as they were over 60 years ago.
Orwell's novel is a stark reminder of democracy's fragility. It warns against granting unchecked power to any entity, highlighting how fear, hatred, nationalism, and the suppression of free thought and scientific progress can sustain tyranny. The book’s chilling portrayal of a totalitarian regime—where surveillance and propaganda manipulate reality—feels eerily relevant in light of modern examples, from the rise of authoritarian states to the post-9/11 erosion of privacy.
The analysis of oppressive tactics, from exploiting nationalistic fervor to silencing dissent, resonates with both historical regimes like Nazi Germany and Stalinist Russia and present-day threats. In democracies, too, Orwell’s message reminds us that freedom must be vigilantly guarded against fear-based ideologies and the steady creep of authoritarianism.
1984 is not just a warning but a call to action to cherish and protect individual rights against the forces that seek to undermine them.
Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert
3.75
Dune Messiah takes a bold and dramatic shift from its predecessor, trading the sweeping epic of Dune for a more introspective exploration of power, morality, and inevitability. While it can feel dense and heavy with philosophical discourse, the payoff is undeniable for those who persevere, as Herbert’s vision gradually unfolds in profound and thought-provoking ways.
The narrative leaps over the jihad Paul foresaw but could not prevent, presenting a deeply conflicted protagonist grappling with the weight of his role as a godlike figurehead. The novel is rich with fascinating ideas, though the emotional depth of the characters sometimes falls short.
Despite these shortcomings, the book excels in its exploration of political, philosophical, and ethical themes. It challenges readers to reflect on the cost of power, the intersection of politics and religion, and the personal sacrifices demanded by leadership. While not my favorite entry in the series, Dune Messiah remains a compelling and essential chapter in the Dune saga, rewarding readers with its intellectual depth and intricate world-building.
Intermezzo by Sally Rooney
3.75
400 pages of men dodging accountability and relying on women to carry their emotional weight. In that sense, it’s almost too realistic.
That said, the fact that I actually like Peter probably says more about me than I’d care to admit.
That said, the fact that I actually like Peter probably says more about me than I’d care to admit.
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
5.0
God this was good. Absolutely beautiful and so very well-written.
Min Jin Lee’s Pachinko is an achingly beautiful and profoundly thought-provoking saga that captures the tragedy and resilience of a family striving to endure against all odds while holding on to hope for a brighter future. It’s the kind of story that stays with you, compelling you to reflect on your own family and relationships. At its heart, Pachinko is a deeply moving tribute to a mother’s boundless love and sacrifice—a powerful testament to the extraordinary lengths one will go to protect and nurture their children.
Spanning generations of struggle and success, the novel vividly portrays the lasting effects of trauma and secrecy, and the immense courage it takes to confront painful truths and offer forgiveness. It is the very definition of bittersweet, tackling profoundly heavy themes with a grace that feels both unflinching and tender. Min Jin Lee masterfully balances intricate historical details with deeply personal narratives, crafting a family saga that is as heart-wrenching as it is hopeful. This is a must-read story, showcasing humanity’s capacity for both immense sorrow and boundless love.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its exploration of the immigrant experience—particularly the challenges of a bilingual upbringing and navigating multicultural identities. The historical context surrounding Korea and Japan is seamlessly interwoven into the story, with facts and insights presented in a way that is both accessible and impactful.
Breathtakingly expansive and absolutely devastating.
Min Jin Lee’s Pachinko is an achingly beautiful and profoundly thought-provoking saga that captures the tragedy and resilience of a family striving to endure against all odds while holding on to hope for a brighter future. It’s the kind of story that stays with you, compelling you to reflect on your own family and relationships. At its heart, Pachinko is a deeply moving tribute to a mother’s boundless love and sacrifice—a powerful testament to the extraordinary lengths one will go to protect and nurture their children.
Spanning generations of struggle and success, the novel vividly portrays the lasting effects of trauma and secrecy, and the immense courage it takes to confront painful truths and offer forgiveness. It is the very definition of bittersweet, tackling profoundly heavy themes with a grace that feels both unflinching and tender. Min Jin Lee masterfully balances intricate historical details with deeply personal narratives, crafting a family saga that is as heart-wrenching as it is hopeful. This is a must-read story, showcasing humanity’s capacity for both immense sorrow and boundless love.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its exploration of the immigrant experience—particularly the challenges of a bilingual upbringing and navigating multicultural identities. The historical context surrounding Korea and Japan is seamlessly interwoven into the story, with facts and insights presented in a way that is both accessible and impactful.
Breathtakingly expansive and absolutely devastating.
The Book of Goose by Yiyun Li
4.0
Yiyun Li’s The Book of Goose is a stark and contemplative exploration of identity, friendship, and the constraints imposed on women in the postwar era. Drawing comparisons to My Brilliant Friend, Li similarly delves into the fragility of selfhood within intense relationships and the yearning to escape one’s origins. However, where Elena Ferrante’s work is warm and vivid, Li’s prose is colder—bleaker, icier, and more cutting.
The opening chapters brim with promise, introducing intriguing dynamics and thought-provoking situations. Yet, the pacing felt uneven at times, and the final chapters didn’t fully deliver on the potential of the story’s setup. By the end, I was acutely aware of its crafted nature rather than being swept away by the illusion of reality—a hallmark of truly exceptional fiction, in my view.
Still, The Book of Goose is an odd yet compelling read, offering a unique and detached narrative voice that’s both unsettling and profound. Though it left me wanting more in some areas, it’s a thought-provoking novel that lingers, and I’m eager to explore more of Yiyun Li’s work
The End of Loneliness by Benedict Wells
5.0
This book completely drew me in and left a lasting impression I’ll carry for a long time. It’s not a quick read—partly because I kept needing to pause and absorb everything.
Jules, the lonely, introspective protagonist, pulled me into his inner world with his struggles: the constant battle with self-esteem, the relentless self-examination, his attempts to untangle the motives of those around him, and above all, his deep, complicated love for the woman who defined so much of his life. I found myself underlining lines, taking notes, and re-reading entire passages. The way this book captures loneliness and longing is nothing short of extraordinary.
Jules, the lonely, introspective protagonist, pulled me into his inner world with his struggles: the constant battle with self-esteem, the relentless self-examination, his attempts to untangle the motives of those around him, and above all, his deep, complicated love for the woman who defined so much of his life. I found myself underlining lines, taking notes, and re-reading entire passages. The way this book captures loneliness and longing is nothing short of extraordinary.
But loneliness doesn’t stop with Jules; it’s a thread woven through every character in this story. The people in this book feel so real, so human, with all their restlessness and struggles. Alva, in particular, is unforgettable—complex and deeply poignant. The love story between Jules and Alva is messy, raw, and tangled, yet undeniably beautiful. By the time I reached the ending, I was completely undone, moved in ways I didn’t think a book could manage.
What sets this story apart is how it explores life’s unpredictability—the way it shifts between moments of quiet beauty, aching sadness, and everyday mundanity. It captures the randomness of existence in a way that feels so true. The idea that “no man is an island” is central here, but the story also makes it clear that loneliness is something we all carry in one way or another.
This is more than a book—it’s an experience that stays with you. The characters, the emotions, the insights into life and connection—they’re all etched into my mind. It’s the kind of story that demands to be revisited, and I know I’ll return to it. It’s unforgettable in every sense of the word.