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A review by tigger89
Time Shelter by Georgi Gospodinov
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This was a very interesting book. As an American, I know I'm not getting the same experience out of it that I would if I were Bulgarian, or even European. Even so, I can't help but see the parallels between Gospodinov's referendums to return to the past and movements such as MAGA in my own country, even down to the sharp observations about how we construct idealized versions of the past. If this sounds like a heavy topic, believe me: it is. But the author approaches it with a dry sense of humor that helps to keep the tone lighter, observational rather than horrifying even as events take a dark turn.
The narration in this book is somewhat twisty and turny, not always easy to read. I had the most success once I managed to secure a narrative voice in my mind, but even so I frequently found myself re-reading passages to ensure I was following them correctly, particularly toward the beginning and end of the book. It can be challenging for sure, but I believe it's worth attempting if you're someone who wonders about themes such as nostalgia, the fallibility of memory, and the inherent discomfort of new experiences.
The narration in this book is somewhat twisty and turny, not always easy to read. I had the most success once I managed to secure a narrative voice in my mind, but even so I frequently found myself re-reading passages to ensure I was following them correctly, particularly toward the beginning and end of the book. It can be challenging for sure, but I believe it's worth attempting if you're someone who wonders about themes such as nostalgia, the fallibility of memory, and the inherent discomfort of new experiences.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dementia