A review by sosobee_06
Paradise Rot by Jenny Hval

challenging dark slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

 You know those disconcerting half-awake-half-asleep feverish dreams that leave you in a state of utter confusion once you wake up from them? Yeah, that's what this book felt like. Reading it in one sitting at 11pm (26°C) did not help.
If I were to give a normal, non-repulsive summary, I would say this book is about a Norwegian biology student moving to Britain and slowly falling in love with her roommate. If you'd prefer a trippy, probably more accurate description, here are some key-words: Fungi-obsessed queer girl and her lover slowly rot away into a forbidden fruit. More key-words: Moist. Rot. Feminist. Horny. Apples.
And yes, there's piss involved. So. Much. Piss. I did come prepared as I had read some reviews before starting this book, but the sheer amount of urine was astounding.
Honestly, I really enjoyed this book. It feels like the written version of the songs Liquid Smooth by Mitski and In A Week by Hozier, and the lyrical writing was beautiful.
Well, if you want to feel like you just drank 4 bottles of cider after taking too many drugs, this book is for you.

Side-note: Not sure if anyone who's reading this knows The Magnus Archives, but Paradise Rot definetely gave me the impression that its author is an avatar of the Corruption. 

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