orestesfasting 's review for:

On the Calculation of Volume I by Solvej Balle

4.0

emotional reflective sad fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

---

In a book which is ostensibly about a time loop, it's striking to find a situation so universally familiar. In this case, it's a loving relationship where the characters - because of the time loop - are at odds with each other no matter what, and cannot connect or explain themselves to one another. It's rare to find a feeling so ubiquitous achieved through a sci fi plot mechanic (rather than a political/social/philosophical problem) and it serves the novel well. I look forward to the next six (!).