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A review by and_abigail
Asymmetry by Lisa Halliday
challenging
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Very much enjoyed this, particularly the first section. I didn’t understand the link between the two sections until I read some reviews, but I think that is more due to my quick reading and expecting a more traditional and straightforward story than to any flaws in the book.
I think it is an effective critique of the idea that we can only write from our own experience, especially given that Alice’s perspective of her own life and experiences is so minimal, but her description of others’ lives is much more rich. I don’t know how I feel about the age gap relationship … on the one hand there is a clear power imbalance, and yet Alice seems self possessed and controlled and not as though is she being taken advantage of. Perhaps this is because this section is semi-autobiographical. Whatever the case, I thought the relationship was depicted with delicacy and respecting the complexity of such a dynamic.
I wish I had read it slower and understood it better on my own. Will definitely be thinking about it for a while.
I think it is an effective critique of the idea that we can only write from our own experience, especially given that Alice’s perspective of her own life and experiences is so minimal, but her description of others’ lives is much more rich. I don’t know how I feel about the age gap relationship … on the one hand there is a clear power imbalance, and yet Alice seems self possessed and controlled and not as though is she being taken advantage of. Perhaps this is because this section is semi-autobiographical. Whatever the case, I thought the relationship was depicted with delicacy and respecting the complexity of such a dynamic.
I wish I had read it slower and understood it better on my own. Will definitely be thinking about it for a while.