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A review by what_heather_loves
Isaac and the Egg by Bobby Palmer
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
A new, young widow (the titular Isaac) grieving the sudden death of his wife Mary, is provided help and support when he needs it most. I can't expand upon that without giving away spoilers, but there comes a point, a couple of points more accurately, when realisation hits and the premise becomes apparent.
I listened to this on Audible, enjoyed Johnny Flynn's narration, which worked with both the slow and sombre and the fast and humourous, elements of the plot. I do think actors often make the best audio book narrators.
I found the early part, perhaps a third, slow and confusing, but the implausible elements are worth sticking with, because they follow Isaac's raw and heartbreaking grief. Once I became aware of how and why the Egg creature became Isaac's sidekick, this lifted the tale immeasurably. From then onwards I was invested in Isaac's journey.
This is a quirky, intimate and poignant debut novel, that creatively examines grief, love and hope.
I listened to this on Audible, enjoyed Johnny Flynn's narration, which worked with both the slow and sombre and the fast and humourous, elements of the plot. I do think actors often make the best audio book narrators.
I found the early part, perhaps a third, slow and confusing, but the implausible elements are worth sticking with, because they follow Isaac's raw and heartbreaking grief. Once I became aware of how and why the Egg creature became Isaac's sidekick, this lifted the tale immeasurably. From then onwards I was invested in Isaac's journey.
This is a quirky, intimate and poignant debut novel, that creatively examines grief, love and hope.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Minor: Suicidal thoughts