A review by curatoriallyyours
The Conversion by Amanda Lohrey

reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This was a reflective piece of literary fiction, much like Amanda Lohrey’s previous book The Labyrinth. Zoe buys a deconsecrated church in the country with the view to converting it into her home, then realises she’s not quite sure where to start. But this book is more about Zoe’s inner world and working through the complex feelings she has about her husband and coming to terms with who she is as a person. There were some clunky inserts of research the author had done about design and spaces. I also would have liked more resolution about two of the side characters. Otherwise I appreciated the author’s slow, reflective style, which was in keeping with her prior book.