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adelesaintamand's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
dragonsnoot's review against another edition
informative
reflective
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? It's complicated
4.75
savvylit's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
This is a quiet novel about a woman who is being exploited to varying degrees by her job, her romantic relationship, and a developing friendship. Her lover has gone to visit his ex-wife and stopped texting. Her position at the ICJ requires her to constantly translate gruesome war crimes. A new friend doesn't tell the whole truth. Our protagonist is consistently in a state of transition and indecision - should she stay in the Hague, should she extend her contract?
Overall, Intimacies is an interesting slice-of-life novel. But it's almost too quiet and too plotless. There were hints of mystery that I had hoped would develop further but ultimately petered out. Perhaps I just wasn't in the right mindset to appreciate this novel.
Lastly, this was a belated read for @occuhazard.bookclub which I love and which consistently has thought-provoking workplace novels on the roster.
Overall, Intimacies is an interesting slice-of-life novel. But it's almost too quiet and too plotless. There were hints of mystery that I had hoped would develop further but ultimately petered out. Perhaps I just wasn't in the right mindset to appreciate this novel.
Lastly, this was a belated read for @occuhazard.bookclub which I love and which consistently has thought-provoking workplace novels on the roster.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Xenophobia, and Violence
abbeyrode's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
hank22's review against another edition
5.0
Stunning piece. So many incredible musings about language to the interpretation of art to horrific human atrocities—all weaved with the threads of human connection and perceived and authentic intimacies. (Would not recommend this to people that need a plot driven story.)
kittoji's review against another edition
3.0
the premise is really interesting - an interpreter at the international court of the hague is confronted with whether or not this is the right path for her. the execution not so much. even though it is really well written and a pleasant, quick read, ultimately the plot fails to result in any satisfying development for the character.
everydayweekends's review
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
katypillar12's review against another edition
3.0
Not my cup of tea, but well done.
interesting characters and brings up interesting questions. I just didn’t find it had enough depth (of either plot or character) to hold my attention
interesting characters and brings up interesting questions. I just didn’t find it had enough depth (of either plot or character) to hold my attention