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A review by edzee_lcnm
Permafrost by Eva Baltasar
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Circling back to this one having read and liked "Boulder," Eva Baltasar's 2nd novel in a "triptych which aims to explore the universes of three different women in the first person." If I can add to that descriptor, and now given the evidence of now having read this fiction debut "Permafrost" (Baltasar's day job prior to this debut novel was as a poet), I think it is likely going to be about three pretty (pretty!) messed up (aka "complicated") lesbians.
Ultimately, I preferred "Boulder" over this one as it's more of a character study of the nihilistic, suicidal unnamed protagonist, and lacks the strong narrative/plot. I generally don't have issues with this approach, but I needed just a wee bit more of a story to latch on to in this instance. That said, the writing (and translation from Julia Sanches) remains stellar and Baltasar certainly packs a punch and paints a big picture in few pages (both novels come in under 150 pages). And I have the same caveat with "Boulder," that if you are timid about lesbian sex scenes - proceed with caution! So while this is not my favorite Baltasar (out of a sample size of two!), I'm sure I will pick up the final book in this planned series, "Mammoth," due out later this year (August 2024). 3.5 stars.
Ultimately, I preferred "Boulder" over this one as it's more of a character study of the nihilistic, suicidal unnamed protagonist, and lacks the strong narrative/plot. I generally don't have issues with this approach, but I needed just a wee bit more of a story to latch on to in this instance. That said, the writing (and translation from Julia Sanches) remains stellar and Baltasar certainly packs a punch and paints a big picture in few pages (both novels come in under 150 pages). And I have the same caveat with "Boulder," that if you are timid about lesbian sex scenes - proceed with caution! So while this is not my favorite Baltasar (out of a sample size of two!), I'm sure I will pick up the final book in this planned series, "Mammoth," due out later this year (August 2024). 3.5 stars.