Scan barcode
A review by concussedcoffeegeek
Our Alchemical Bodies by Thomas Gilbert
1.0
Well, at least I liked the cover of this book. That and the art was crafted tolerably at times. This is one of the most pretentious, meaningless books I've read in a very long time. A pretentious attempt at meaning steeped in esoteric poetry and arcane imagery. I'm left confused by 'Our Alchemical Bodies'...who is this intended for? On the surface it feels like the makings of an art-house A24 film that I'd expect to hear about at a film festival. Underneath the esotericism is...an allegory for love? Pantheism? Identity?
Don't get me wrong, I love a good allegory, but this book is so reliant on the mysticism and esoteric language that it loses any value of meaning one could take away. While the art was enjoyable at times, I could not wait for this book to be over. It started out well enough, but took so many turns in various directions that I could not enjoy it. I wanted to love it, but was utterly disappointed.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an early access digital copy for review.
Don't get me wrong, I love a good allegory, but this book is so reliant on the mysticism and esoteric language that it loses any value of meaning one could take away. While the art was enjoyable at times, I could not wait for this book to be over. It started out well enough, but took so many turns in various directions that I could not enjoy it. I wanted to love it, but was utterly disappointed.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an early access digital copy for review.