A review by somethingarosie
Strange Flowers by Donal Ryan

4.0

Strange Flowers by Donal Ryan offers a captivating, mysterious premise that delves into identity, sexuality and race. The variation in timelines and points of view adds depth to the narrative, keeping readers engaged throughout. Ryan’s prose is beautifully poetic and gentle, drawing readers into the story with its lyrical quality.

However, while the book excels in many aspects, one particular element fell short for me. The introduction of Josh and his storytelling/writing  proved to be a stumbling block, especially in the audiobook format. The switch in perspective and timeline was jarring, leaving me confused and disconnected from the story. It was challenging to discern who was speaking and at what point in time the narrative occurred, detracting from the overall experience. This disruption in flow left me feeling disjointed from the characters I was reading about. It’s unfortunate that this occurs towards the end of the book, creating a bump near the final hurdle.

Despite this drawback, Strange Flowers remains a compelling read, offering an intriguing exploration of family secrets and the complexities of identity. While the audiobook may struggle to effectively convey certain sections of the book, the strength of Ryan’s storytelling ultimately shines through, making it a worthwhile literary journey. A story full of intrigue, mystery, and unexpected revelations.

4⭐️