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memeraryfiction 's review for:
Kairos
by Jenny Erpenbeck
dark
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I have really mixed feelings about this book. The prose is gorgeous, and I found the book very compelling - I couldn't stop reading. On the other hand, though, the subject matter left me feeling pretty gross, so it wasn't exactly an enjoyable read.
I think each reader's understanding of what the book is trying to do will significantly affect their rating. If it's a story of a woman reflecting nostalgically-but-with-complex-feelings on a former love affair, it's a miss because of how problematic that affair is. If it's a book about a toxic and abusive relationship and its ultimate breakdown, set against the backdrop of the simultaneous breakdown of East Germany, it's a success. I'm inclined to think it's the latter; however, because Erpenbeck presents no straightforward or easy answers, it has shades of the former. I appreciate the ambiguity - this is part of what makes it a brilliantly written book! But it also makes it difficult to rate it higher.
I think each reader's understanding of what the book is trying to do will significantly affect their rating. If it's a story of a woman reflecting nostalgically-but-with-complex-feelings on a former love affair, it's a miss because of how problematic that affair is. If it's a book about a toxic and abusive relationship and its ultimate breakdown, set against the backdrop of the simultaneous breakdown of East Germany, it's a success. I'm inclined to think it's the latter; however, because Erpenbeck presents no straightforward or easy answers, it has shades of the former. I appreciate the ambiguity - this is part of what makes it a brilliantly written book! But it also makes it difficult to rate it higher.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, Alcohol
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Abortion, Pregnancy
Age gap relationship with power imbalance