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A review by bibliobethreads
The Weight of Loss by Sally Oliver
3.0
I haven’t accepted a book for review in quite some time but when One World Publications got in touch to see if I’d be interested in reading and reviewing The Weight Of Loss, I read the synopsis and was won over instantly. Thank you to them for my free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is a clever, lyrical and meandering story that explores the themes of mental health, loss, grief and rehabilitation in a very interesting way. Our protagonist Marianne begins to notice long, thick black hairs protruding from her spine and even though her doctor tells her it may be her body’s physical reaction to grief, she takes up the offer of a specialised wellness retreat to help her work through her issues.
The book then follows Marianne at the clinic and delves into her past with her sister, Marie before climaxing into a completely unanticipated ending. It blends magical realism and literary fiction together with a sprinkling of the weird and wonderful.
I’m torn on my feelings for this book. I loved the imagery of the black hairs along Marianne’s spine and what they represented and some of my favourite moments were the relationship between Marianne and Marie, the latter of whom made me want to hug then shake them in equal measure! I felt as if I was so invested in the first half but then it lost me a little near the end.
However, it’s clear that Sally Oliver oozes talent and I’m excited to see what she comes out with next.
3.5 stars
This is a clever, lyrical and meandering story that explores the themes of mental health, loss, grief and rehabilitation in a very interesting way. Our protagonist Marianne begins to notice long, thick black hairs protruding from her spine and even though her doctor tells her it may be her body’s physical reaction to grief, she takes up the offer of a specialised wellness retreat to help her work through her issues.
The book then follows Marianne at the clinic and delves into her past with her sister, Marie before climaxing into a completely unanticipated ending. It blends magical realism and literary fiction together with a sprinkling of the weird and wonderful.
I’m torn on my feelings for this book. I loved the imagery of the black hairs along Marianne’s spine and what they represented and some of my favourite moments were the relationship between Marianne and Marie, the latter of whom made me want to hug then shake them in equal measure! I felt as if I was so invested in the first half but then it lost me a little near the end.
However, it’s clear that Sally Oliver oozes talent and I’m excited to see what she comes out with next.
3.5 stars