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rowanhill's review
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This stunning poetic novel is an intimate exploration of mind, body, and experience in both their literal and symbolic manifestations. As main character Lia and her family struggle with a recurrence of breast cancer, the reader is taken on a journey through all of the pieces, past and present, that have shaped Lia both physically and personally. The experiment with prose and linguistic form throughout the book helps capture the entire human experience in a way that is hard to express in a short review like this. However, I also think that the non-traditional form can be divisive for readers who are expecting a more straightforward narrative. In short, this is a book that you “experience” rather than “read” and being able to resonate with the journey will be the difference between loving and disliking this novel.
Despite her turbulent past, children’s book author and illustrator Lia has finally found stability and happiness with her husband Harry and daughter Iris. However, this small slice of peace and happiness is once again thrown into turmoil when Lia finds out her cancer has returned. As Lia’s body is torn apart by both treatment and disease, the pieces of her past that have shaped her present are uncovered and reframed in both body and mind. Meanwhile, Harry and Iris must navigate their own challenges and the reality of life moving forward despite this sudden shift in their lives.
I received this novel through a giveaway and was completely blown away! I expected a heartfelt novel about a person’s struggle with cancer and how it affects their family; but I got so much more. Though cancer plays a big role, this book is truly an honest and intimate reflection on the many ways our experiences shape our bodies, minds, and relationships. Despite its poetic form, the book does not hit you over the head with lofty ideas but elegantly builds understanding through each character’s personal journey. The depth and complexity of human experience that this story is able to capture is remarkable and truly sets it apart.
I personally gave this book 5 stars, but there are still some elements that I think make this a book you will either love or simply not resonate with. Though not strictly a ‘novel in verse’, Mortimer tells this story through a variety of poetic forms and frequently utilizes non-traditional formatting. As such, the storytelling is not as straightforward as some readers prefer. The writing also has a ‘wandering’ feel and tends to shift perspective and time without warning. Though I personally liked the artistic effect of it, I can also see some readers feeling lost and/or confused. Additionally, this novel is slow moving and on the slightly longer side which could lead to some fatigue with the writing.
Ultimately, I think this book is best suited to readers who are willing to set aside expectations and go with the flow; let the experience unfold. One thing I can say for certain is that I would not try the audiobook on its own. Mortimer frequently creates visuals with her formatting that add to the overall experience of the story. I feel that a lot of the true art that sets this story apart simply won’t be captured in a purely auditory experience.
Despite her turbulent past, children’s book author and illustrator Lia has finally found stability and happiness with her husband Harry and daughter Iris. However, this small slice of peace and happiness is once again thrown into turmoil when Lia finds out her cancer has returned. As Lia’s body is torn apart by both treatment and disease, the pieces of her past that have shaped her present are uncovered and reframed in both body and mind. Meanwhile, Harry and Iris must navigate their own challenges and the reality of life moving forward despite this sudden shift in their lives.
I received this novel through a giveaway and was completely blown away! I expected a heartfelt novel about a person’s struggle with cancer and how it affects their family; but I got so much more. Though cancer plays a big role, this book is truly an honest and intimate reflection on the many ways our experiences shape our bodies, minds, and relationships. Despite its poetic form, the book does not hit you over the head with lofty ideas but elegantly builds understanding through each character’s personal journey. The depth and complexity of human experience that this story is able to capture is remarkable and truly sets it apart.
I personally gave this book 5 stars, but there are still some elements that I think make this a book you will either love or simply not resonate with. Though not strictly a ‘novel in verse’, Mortimer tells this story through a variety of poetic forms and frequently utilizes non-traditional formatting. As such, the storytelling is not as straightforward as some readers prefer. The writing also has a ‘wandering’ feel and tends to shift perspective and time without warning. Though I personally liked the artistic effect of it, I can also see some readers feeling lost and/or confused. Additionally, this novel is slow moving and on the slightly longer side which could lead to some fatigue with the writing.
Ultimately, I think this book is best suited to readers who are willing to set aside expectations and go with the flow; let the experience unfold. One thing I can say for certain is that I would not try the audiobook on its own. Mortimer frequently creates visuals with her formatting that add to the overall experience of the story. I feel that a lot of the true art that sets this story apart simply won’t be captured in a purely auditory experience.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Terminal illness, Cancer, and Death
Moderate: Bullying, Medical content, Dysphoria, Emotional abuse, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Sexual content, Addiction, Self harm, Car accident, Dementia, Domestic abuse, Drug use, and Physical abuse
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