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bites_of_books's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
The language, the character development, the atmosphere, all of it came together in the end and left me staring at the wall going back through and remembering everything that happened.
If you like books with an unreliable narrator, a focus on mental illness, and visceral descriptions, this book is for you.
We follow Mister N, a writer who has checked himself into a hotel. We are deep within his mind and trying to follow what is happening around him. Sometimes things feel like memories, other times like made up stories, and then also complete and tangible reality. As we weave in and out of Mister N's psyche, we see the effect of violence, war, poverty, and heritage on Mister N and his family. It's truly a heartbreaking story and also one that left me wanting to read more from Barakat and books set in Lebanon.
If you want to read it do take care and check content warnings first, primarily for violence and mental health.
If you like books with an unreliable narrator, a focus on mental illness, and visceral descriptions, this book is for you.
We follow Mister N, a writer who has checked himself into a hotel. We are deep within his mind and trying to follow what is happening around him. Sometimes things feel like memories, other times like made up stories, and then also complete and tangible reality. As we weave in and out of Mister N's psyche, we see the effect of violence, war, poverty, and heritage on Mister N and his family. It's truly a heartbreaking story and also one that left me wanting to read more from Barakat and books set in Lebanon.
If you want to read it do take care and check content warnings first, primarily for violence and mental health.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Grief, Medical content, Suicide, Mental illness, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Torture, War, Blood, Death, Death of parent, Genocide, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
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