Scan barcode
A review by isabeldotml
New Finnish Grammar by Diego Marani
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I really enjoyed the discussions of language learning and language as identity, especially as they relate to Finnish. I also found some of the relationships in the book quite touching.
Unfortunately, the setting wasn't really for me and I found the protagonist's fixation on finding a past over building a present quite frustrating (I understand this is the crux of the novel but knowing that didn't help). I also found I couldn't suspend disbelief that this beautifully florid writing was reconstructed from the notes of an absolute beginner in the language.
Unfortunately, the setting wasn't really for me and I found the protagonist's fixation on finding a past over building a present quite frustrating (I understand this is the crux of the novel but knowing that didn't help). I also found I couldn't suspend disbelief that this beautifully florid writing was reconstructed from the notes of an absolute beginner in the language.