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A review by annamgane
Garden of Earthly Bodies by Sally Oliver
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
Garden of earthly bodies seems very interesting on the surface. Ideas of psychology, loss and grief pieced with the horror adjacent premise drew me in. However the format of switching between the two periods in main characters life often hindered the flow and unraveling of the story. I spent most of this book trying to figure out what the personality of the main character was. There are a few odd moments for me, like when homeless people are mentioned, that feel out of place. It seems like the novel ultimately takes an anti research psychology stance while name dropping lacan and Freud which is disappointing.
The highlights of this book for me was the overall idea of having roots in our backs. The author articulated well the experience of this illness, and made an effort to tie in the physical health with the mental. Sally Oliver is a good writer, clearly demonstrating a lot of skill but it felt like the story beats and characters needed fine tuning.
The highlights of this book for me was the overall idea of having roots in our backs. The author articulated well the experience of this illness, and made an effort to tie in the physical health with the mental. Sally Oliver is a good writer, clearly demonstrating a lot of skill but it felt like the story beats and characters needed fine tuning.