The thing I love most about this book is that even if you know the plot, there’s no way to anticipate how Sophie Mackintosh handles the narrative. TheThe thing I love most about this book is that even if you know the plot, there’s no way to anticipate how Sophie Mackintosh handles the narrative. The sentences here are pristine, the structure is on point, the entire novel unravels into the grotesque in an ending that is visceral & wild. She’s a master. You won’t be disappointed. But then again, with Sophie’s books, you never are....more
I genuinely loved this book -- a little bit of a TW for sexual abuse of children here, but it balances the memory of trauma against the current realitI genuinely loved this book -- a little bit of a TW for sexual abuse of children here, but it balances the memory of trauma against the current reality of being disconnected from the family. The sentences are bangers, and there is a rhythm to it that made it hard to put down. Glad I read it before I started "Is Mother Dead?" because I think it makes that book stronger. ...more
So much to admire here - a heartbreaking, gothic story at the core, with effective and brilliantly executed multiple narrators driving the story forwaSo much to admire here - a heartbreaking, gothic story at the core, with effective and brilliantly executed multiple narrators driving the story forward. A masterclass in fragmentation, organization, and pacing. A knockout. Apekina is one of the best writers we have....more
An innovative blend of memoir, research, and cultural commentary that masterfully grapples with domestic violence in queer relationships. I couldn't pAn innovative blend of memoir, research, and cultural commentary that masterfully grapples with domestic violence in queer relationships. I couldn't put it down. Split up into powerful, dense vignettes, In The Dream House just made me cancel all of my plans so I could finish it immediately. So excited to see this one enter the world- one of the best of the year, and one you will not forget. For fans of Ocean Vuong's On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous, I think these two books sit really well together as standouts for 2019 that grapple with queerness, identity, violence, and language in lush, compelling ways....more
This was one of those fun, hilarious, gothically sad books that you blaze through in a day & don't want to end. Winnette's ability to turn dialogue anThis was one of those fun, hilarious, gothically sad books that you blaze through in a day & don't want to end. Winnette's ability to turn dialogue and internal monologue into a hilarious take on fear, death, coming of age, and a bunch of boys in an orphanage into a modern, fresh novel that recalls the Lord of the Flies with a sense of humor. Sharp, smart, admirable. ...more
One of the funniest, saddest depictions of working life that I've ever read. Butler's whip-smart sentences and dialogue make this one of those fast reOne of the funniest, saddest depictions of working life that I've ever read. Butler's whip-smart sentences and dialogue make this one of those fast reads you cannot put down. I always devour her work - for fans of her latest, The New Me, Jillian offers a great foundation from which Butler has grown. Likewise, you're just as well to start from Jillian and work up to The New Me - she's like Ottessa Moshfegh on steroids at times....more
A woman who uses multiple names has sex with a different client each day. At the sentence level, Faw is exciting to see in action - sharp, crisp linesA woman who uses multiple names has sex with a different client each day. At the sentence level, Faw is exciting to see in action - sharp, crisp lines make these laced-together vignettes move quickly until they blur together. The effect is dazzling and could knock the wind out of your chest. Even more admirable is the complicated structure behind the simplicity of the sentences - the precision with which Faw has built the machine of this book is brilliant. It makes me want to write another novel immediately. ...more
This is non-fiction that reads like poetry & turns into a political treatise toward the end, offering a compelling and human look at French politics. This is non-fiction that reads like poetry & turns into a political treatise toward the end, offering a compelling and human look at French politics. A quick but stirring read - worth the hour or two it will take to burn through it, and definitely made me reconsider the political world outside of the US, though some of the points made here certainly could apply to America. ...more
This is one of those books I keep extra copies of on hand to gift to friends. The precision in the sentences, the gloom and daring on the periphery ofThis is one of those books I keep extra copies of on hand to gift to friends. The precision in the sentences, the gloom and daring on the periphery of the narrative, the heartache of the young female narrator, the glitz and terror of the circus, and the sporadic use of all caps create a textured, nuanced, incredible book that I return to again and again. Expertly translated by Vincent Kling, I wish there were more books like this in the world - sits right alongside Jenny Erpenbeck's The Book of Words in terms of tight prose, a sad ache, and beauty....more
One of my favorites of this year so far - Trisha Low hits hard with precise sentences, a look at a move across California, art, sexuality, and the culOne of my favorites of this year so far - Trisha Low hits hard with precise sentences, a look at a move across California, art, sexuality, and the cultural impact of social media. I absolutely devoured this book and I felt excited about the exacting nature of Trisha's view of the world. Excited to see others dive into this beautiful portrait of life as it feels right this very moment. ...more
The first story is pitch-perfect to me, and although this collection is a wee bit uneven, just watching Schweblin sketch and play is a treat. She remaThe first story is pitch-perfect to me, and although this collection is a wee bit uneven, just watching Schweblin sketch and play is a treat. She remains the queen of the creepy, surreal, and stark sentences translated expertly by Megan McDowell, who continues to bring us the best work from Spanish into English. ...more
Stark, impactful sentences - great to see Evenson at the top of his form from the first story to the last. Always inspiring to see how much he can accStark, impactful sentences - great to see Evenson at the top of his form from the first story to the last. Always inspiring to see how much he can accomplish in a compressed space, adding power to his surrealism and an ache to the loneliness of his characters. Still the master. ...more
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