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3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
I really adore Ditlevsen’s writing. I’m wavering between 3 and 4 stars simply because I would (and will) read anything she’s ever written, but this novel is bleak as hell. It’s an incredible portrait of a woman going through a mental health crisis and the (possible) reasons that led her there.
To me, there are plenty of relatable things in this book (dealing with infidelity and the paranoia it creates, being treated poorly by your partner, having no power in your relationship, struggling to work creatively when your mental health is suffering, etc.), and she is so incredible at illustrating the exquisite pain — and horrific delusions — of her characters.
To me, there are plenty of relatable things in this book (dealing with infidelity and the paranoia it creates, being treated poorly by your partner, having no power in your relationship, struggling to work creatively when your mental health is suffering, etc.), and she is so incredible at illustrating the exquisite pain — and horrific delusions — of her characters.
challenging
dark
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I know it's supposed to be difficult to follow, but I still really struggled. I really want to love books where people are going crazy, but I'm not sure I can ever appreciate or understand them. This reminded me of The Bell Jar, but in a less sad, more frenzy way. Yet it felt like nothing was ever happening? And the ending was just super confusing to me. I'm really frustrated that this is beloved and I can't find a decent summary because I feel like I didn't understand what I read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Suicide attempt
I really liked the style of writing in this book. The story was interesting but hard to understand sometimes. There are still some things that aren't clear to me after reading the book and I hope reading [b:The Copenhagen Trilogy: Childhood / Youth / Dependency|53317528|The Copenhagen Trilogy Childhood / Youth / Dependency|Tove Ditlevsen|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1593377780l/53317528._SY75_.jpg|62438608] things will be more clear to me. Personally I think the ending was a bit dull but overall it was a good story.
challenging
dark
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I‘m in love with Tove Ditlevsens writing since reading “childhood”. In “The faces” Lise Mundus is going through a psychotic episode. She obsesses over the faces of the people around her and hears voices, who are threatening and pushing her to indifference.
It was an amazing read, which I’ll certainly keep thinking about.
It was an amazing read, which I’ll certainly keep thinking about.
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Brilliantly nightmarish, but goes too quickly into and spends way too much time in the world of overt hallucinations for my taste