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A review by ianthereader0
The Impossible Resurrection of Grief by Octavia Cade
3.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
“Can you watch something die and let it die? The answer, too often, was yes.”
The Impossible Resurrection of Grief is a strange novella, that would be offensive if it weren’t gleaming with sharp truth.
While ultimately pessimistic, this story is so important, as it holds the reader accountable, causing them to be more introspective, opening up their eyes to things they have chosen to ignore.
This novella gazes unflinchingly at how humanity faces and more often chooses not to face, the bitter realities of the environmental decline of the world around us. This novella implies that deep down people only care about things that are personal to them, and are ultimately unfazed by things that do not directly impact their way of life or their preferences. “Monstrous self interest masquerading as emotional stability”, as it is put in the story. Mirrors are a huge symbol in the story, and questions whether or not we are really honest with ourselves when we self-reflect, or if our own perceptions of ourselves are self-created with the intent of idealizing.
This novella tells the truth without regard for sensitivity, which I found refreshing. The story is a chameleon of sorts, shifting between science fiction and fable, but all the while maintains a dark and gritty tone that shows hopelessness and beauty entwined. I didn’t feel attached to any of the characters in a meaningful way, but I think that is partly because they were pretty detached and selfish people. It was purposeful, which I can also appreciate.
I think this novella fully accomplished it’s purpose, and while I would not say I loved the experience of reading it, I did benefit from it and I do recommend it.
Thank you Netgalley, Octavia Cade, and Stelliform Press for an early copy of this novella.
“Can you watch something die and let it die? The answer, too often, was yes.”
The Impossible Resurrection of Grief is a strange novella, that would be offensive if it weren’t gleaming with sharp truth.
While ultimately pessimistic, this story is so important, as it holds the reader accountable, causing them to be more introspective, opening up their eyes to things they have chosen to ignore.
This novella gazes unflinchingly at how humanity faces and more often chooses not to face, the bitter realities of the environmental decline of the world around us. This novella implies that deep down people only care about things that are personal to them, and are ultimately unfazed by things that do not directly impact their way of life or their preferences. “Monstrous self interest masquerading as emotional stability”, as it is put in the story. Mirrors are a huge symbol in the story, and questions whether or not we are really honest with ourselves when we self-reflect, or if our own perceptions of ourselves are self-created with the intent of idealizing.
This novella tells the truth without regard for sensitivity, which I found refreshing. The story is a chameleon of sorts, shifting between science fiction and fable, but all the while maintains a dark and gritty tone that shows hopelessness and beauty entwined. I didn’t feel attached to any of the characters in a meaningful way, but I think that is partly because they were pretty detached and selfish people. It was purposeful, which I can also appreciate.
I think this novella fully accomplished it’s purpose, and while I would not say I loved the experience of reading it, I did benefit from it and I do recommend it.
Thank you Netgalley, Octavia Cade, and Stelliform Press for an early copy of this novella.