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A review by izkifily
Sea Monsters by Chloe Aridjis
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.75
This book speaks to the allure of mysterious strangers, places and journeys and ushers the reader through the whiplash, disorientation and disenchantment the protagonist experiences as more light is shone on unknown people and places, evaporating both the mystery and appeal.
The protagonist's description of travel expectations mirrors her experience with romantic interests:
"To imagine travel is probably better than actually travelling since no journey can ever satisfy human desire, as soon as one sets out, fantasies get tangled in the rigging and dark birds of doubt begin their circling overhead."
I found the book very enjoyable to read, mainly owing to the delightful style of writing and eloquent turns of phrase, however I was left feeling it lacked a certain depth further than being pleasant to read.
Additionally, while the protagonist (and author) is female, every other character of note is male and there seemed to be a subtle yet consistent disregard, distaste and fatphobia for any minor female characters who dared raise their heads.
The protagonist's description of travel expectations mirrors her experience with romantic interests:
"To imagine travel is probably better than actually travelling since no journey can ever satisfy human desire, as soon as one sets out, fantasies get tangled in the rigging and dark birds of doubt begin their circling overhead."
I found the book very enjoyable to read, mainly owing to the delightful style of writing and eloquent turns of phrase, however I was left feeling it lacked a certain depth further than being pleasant to read.
Additionally, while the protagonist (and author) is female, every other character of note is male and there seemed to be a subtle yet consistent disregard, distaste and fatphobia for any minor female characters who dared raise their heads.