A review by theliteraryapothecary
A Sorrow Named Joy by Sarah Chorn

emotional hopeful reflective relaxing

4.5

 

This was the first novella I read in Round 2 (Semi-final round) of the Speculative Fiction Indy Novella Championship. And what a quiet and lovely science fiction novella this is. This was a special book to me - it spoke to my soul and gave me just what I needed this week, before I knew that I needed it. Although until Chorn reassured me and calmed my soul, I was truly worried for our main character and what was going to happen to her. To be honest, as much as I loved this novella, I think it's one of those that you have to be in the right mindset or at least have an open mind to truly appreciate all it does though. Not everyone will appreciate and love it as much as I did. 

CAWPILE Breakdown: 

Characters: 9 - I LOVED all of the characters in this little novella. They were so wholesome and quietly lovely, sincere and honest. 

Atmosphere/Setting: 8.5 - The setting was fantastic. I could see everything all the time. I had no problem knowing where we were. The atmosphere was good most of the time. 

Writing Style: 9.5 - I absolutely LOVED Chorn's quiet and calm writing style in this novella, and can't wait to read more of her writing. However, as I noted above, I don't think it's a writing style for everyone, and so you have to be in the right mindset to truly appreciate writing like this. 

Plot: 8 - The plot was a steady and effective storyline. I had ideas of where it was going to go and was worried that I was correct. But I appreciate 1) that Chorn calmed that anxiety down (one benefit of being able to communicate with the writer as I'm reading) and 2) that it did NOT go in the direction I anticipated. 

Intrigue: 8.5 - I loved the kind of intrigue that took place in this book. There were a couple different types - 1 dealing with characters, 2 dealing with plot, and 3 dealing with writing style. It kept me engaged throughout this short novella - I had to keep reading! 

Logic/Relationships: 9.5 - Chorn developed these relationships in such an honest and incredible way. I loved seeing where this was going and how our characters would develop with it. Everything made sense when it needed to! 

Enjoyment: 9.5 - I truly enjoyed this novella more than I thought - I just wanted more. I loved our characters and their development, the calm "normalness" of the setting. It was just really well written. 

CAWPILE Total: 62.5/7 = 8.9 = 4.5 stars