It's been a pretty busy month, with starting new jobs and celebrating my 22nd birthday (!) I read four books, which were mostly underwhelming. Lots of newbies on my TBR pile to look forward to though...
First up... The Nine-Chambered Heart by Janice Pariat (5/5)
Inspired in part by Anaïs Nin's The Four-Chambered Heart, this novel explores the relationships which make us who we are. We hear from nine (though I'm pretty sure one is repeated) people who knew the protagonist, and loved her. From three-night stands on holiday to year long affairs, we see her from a teenager right through to middle age through the lens of these lovers. I wish it didn't stop so abruptly but I can see how this represents her tendency to abandon situations unexpectedly. The subtle shifts in narrative throughout was also done well so it was hardly noticeable. I adored this.
Notes to Self by Emilie Pine (4/5)
Emilie's memoir explores her memories of having an alcoholic parent, dealing with infertility and everyday sexism. She documents some of her sexual experiences where consent is blurred, bravely confronting feelings of shame and confusion. She is openly aware of the vulnerability of her younger self, and still remains able to consider how others might look back at the same events differently.
The Course of Love by Alain de Botton (2/5)
This is essentially a philosophical commentary on a fictional relationship, dissecting their love at different stages. I found his take on parenting and attachment styles interesting, but I didn't connect with the characters at all. The novel would probably have worked better if it were an essay collection.
Laughable Loves by Milan Kundera. (2/5)
I loved Kundera's The Unbearable Lightness of Being, and this story collection deals with similar themes of sexual attraction, games of desire and love. My only issue with these were that a majority of the main characters seem identical - in their longings and attitudes. It gets a bit repetitive, but I still liked the stories themselves.
First up... The Nine-Chambered Heart by Janice Pariat (5/5)
Inspired in part by Anaïs Nin's The Four-Chambered Heart, this novel explores the relationships which make us who we are. We hear from nine (though I'm pretty sure one is repeated) people who knew the protagonist, and loved her. From three-night stands on holiday to year long affairs, we see her from a teenager right through to middle age through the lens of these lovers. I wish it didn't stop so abruptly but I can see how this represents her tendency to abandon situations unexpectedly. The subtle shifts in narrative throughout was also done well so it was hardly noticeable. I adored this.
Notes to Self by Emilie Pine (4/5)
Emilie's memoir explores her memories of having an alcoholic parent, dealing with infertility and everyday sexism. She documents some of her sexual experiences where consent is blurred, bravely confronting feelings of shame and confusion. She is openly aware of the vulnerability of her younger self, and still remains able to consider how others might look back at the same events differently.
The Course of Love by Alain de Botton (2/5)
This is essentially a philosophical commentary on a fictional relationship, dissecting their love at different stages. I found his take on parenting and attachment styles interesting, but I didn't connect with the characters at all. The novel would probably have worked better if it were an essay collection.
Laughable Loves by Milan Kundera. (2/5)
I loved Kundera's The Unbearable Lightness of Being, and this story collection deals with similar themes of sexual attraction, games of desire and love. My only issue with these were that a majority of the main characters seem identical - in their longings and attitudes. It gets a bit repetitive, but I still liked the stories themselves.
