You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
A review by el_viral
Ice by Anna Kavan
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I'm left with a feeling of 'what did I just read?' This book read like someone's fever dream, the story managing to progress slowly despite the narrator's darting between realities - it is hard to tell where reality ends and fantasy starts, if there is any reality to the story.
I enjoyed the dream-like prose, but found the subject matter troubling. The treatment of the girl, however much of it is real or not, is abominable. Some things we only get hints of but both physical and emotional abuse are obvious.
I think you can tell Kavan had recently come out of a psychiatric facility - the book reads like the disconnected train of thought of someone whose mental state is difficult.
I would recommend this book, but it certainly isn't for everyone.
I enjoyed the dream-like prose, but found the subject matter troubling. The treatment of the girl, however much of it is real or not, is abominable. Some things we only get hints of but both physical and emotional abuse are obvious.
I think you can tell Kavan had recently come out of a psychiatric facility - the book reads like the disconnected train of thought of someone whose mental state is difficult.
I would recommend this book, but it certainly isn't for everyone.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, War
Moderate: Sexual violence, Sexual harassment
Minor: Ableism