Scan barcode
fatfrog's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Terminal illness, and Death of parent
Minor: Sexual content and Pandemic/Epidemic
quoththeraven97's review against another edition
reflective
3.0
Blue-haired Elsa Anderson is a world-renowned pianist...well, that is, until she freezes during Rachmaninoff's Second Piano Concerto and leaves her career to teach music lessons throughout Europe instead.
This was the first work of Deborah Levy's that I have read, and it seems she is known for very puzzling narrative/prose. Honestly, I had some trouble cohesively piecing this story together, as it seemed to quickly flit between scenes and I didn't know quite what to make of it. There was definitely a nod to Disney's Frozen with the main character. I nearly DNF'd this title because there were a lot of sexual metaphors...including a couple of scenes with sexual content that made me a bit uncomfortable, as I did not know to expect them. It felt as though Elsa almost lost a sense of identity after her Rachmaninoff's mishap, like she was dissociating her way through life afterwards. There was a lot of mention of doubles, and a lot of what felt like random mentions of the pandemic, as it didn't seem particularly a large part of the plot to me.
I listened to August Blue on audio, and while the narrator did hold my attention, I definitely think this title takes a bit more thought to try and work through the plot.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio, NetGalley and Farrar, Straus and Giroux for an advanced opportunity to listen to this audiobook in exchange for my honest review. All opinions stated above are my own. August Blue is expected to be published June 6, 2023.
This was the first work of Deborah Levy's that I have read, and it seems she is known for very puzzling narrative/prose. Honestly, I had some trouble cohesively piecing this story together, as it seemed to quickly flit between scenes and I didn't know quite what to make of it. There was definitely a nod to Disney's Frozen with the main character. I nearly DNF'd this title because there were a lot of sexual metaphors...including a couple of scenes with sexual content that made me a bit uncomfortable, as I did not know to expect them. It felt as though Elsa almost lost a sense of identity after her Rachmaninoff's mishap, like she was dissociating her way through life afterwards. There was a lot of mention of doubles, and a lot of what felt like random mentions of the pandemic, as it didn't seem particularly a large part of the plot to me.
I listened to August Blue on audio, and while the narrator did hold my attention, I definitely think this title takes a bit more thought to try and work through the plot.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio, NetGalley and Farrar, Straus and Giroux for an advanced opportunity to listen to this audiobook in exchange for my honest review. All opinions stated above are my own. August Blue is expected to be published June 6, 2023.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
More...