A review by paigeinthepages_sg
Alone with You in the Ether by Olivie Blake

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

A story of love, art, math, time, and bees. A study of what it means to be human and to be loved. This novel by Olivie Blake now holds the title of my favorite book. Blake's unique style shifts throughout the book, allowing you to see the story unfold from different angles. I found it impossible not to adore Aldo the theoretical mathematician and what he learns from the elusive Charlotte Regan in six conversations. 

This is the first book I have ever tried annotating and  it was an incredible experience, I found myself wanting to underline half the book. Here are some of my favorite non-spoiler quotes:

"Was it contrived, god descending from machine, or was it because she had been vacant where he was vacant, and therefore both would inevitably seek to be filled?"

"He contemplates formulas and degrees of rationality and they all turn into her. He thinks about time, which has only recently begun, or at least now feels different. He thinks: The Babylonians were wrong; time is made of her."

"Yes it is perilously wonderful to suffer so sweetly with you"
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