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A review by literaryjunarin
Vladimir by Julia May Jonas
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
SUMMARY: And so we are introduced to our deliciously incisive narrator: a popular English professor whose charismatic husband at the same small liberal arts college is under investigation for his inappropriate relationships with his former students. The couple has long had a mutual understanding when it comes to their extra-marital pursuits, but with these new allegations, life has become far less comfortable for them both. And when our narrator becomes increasingly infatuated with Vladimir, a celebrated, married young novelist who’s just arrived on campus, their tinder box world comes dangerously close to exploding.
Well, I am surprised that this is a debut novel. Her writing is STUNNING and so, so engrossing. Her prose itself is an art.
This book incorporates commentary on gender roles in marriage, sexual preferences, how men and women handle ageing differently, power dynamics in relationships, motherhood, insecurity, and identity.
She has an intriguing point of view about the teacher-student relationship.
Vladimir, though the subject of her lust and obsession, is the least interesting of all the characters mentioned.
After all the buildup, the ending was anticlimactic. It made the whole story seem pointless.
Well, I am surprised that this is a debut novel. Her writing is STUNNING and so, so engrossing. Her prose itself is an art.
This book incorporates commentary on gender roles in marriage, sexual preferences, how men and women handle ageing differently, power dynamics in relationships, motherhood, insecurity, and identity.
She has an intriguing point of view about the teacher-student relationship.
Vladimir, though the subject of her lust and obsession, is the least interesting of all the characters mentioned.
After all the buildup, the ending was anticlimactic. It made the whole story seem pointless.