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A review by reagannixon
The Odyssey by Lara Williams
3.0
3.5 stars.
This was a nice change of pace for me. I enjoyed it. Overall, it is a quirky book with an eccentric main character. You could say this type of novel is an acquired taste. The experience of reading this book more about being symbolic, poignant and thought-provoking than it is to tell a story or sweep you away. It can be a little dark, very weird and.... "British" (I do love British humor tho...) It was a compulsive read for me.
As it is, I love unusual/flawed/eccentric/quicky characters, so Ingrid was a delightful match for me. I also am fascinated by "cruise culture" and wish there were more books about the crew on cruise ships. (I find those mini societies deeply fascinating).
SUMMARY: 5-ish years ago, Ingrid went to work on a huge cruise ship. Cruise employees works nearly every single day, only occasionally getting a day off to go off the ship if they choose. Ingrid doesn't mind and takes pride in her work. She's also been recently selected for an advancement program/mentorship on board.
Ingrid has two close friends on the ship, whom are basically her family. However, once she enters the new program, tensions arise. Meanwhile, in her sessions with Keith (her mentor) we learn more about Ingrid's upbringing and that she is/was married. Eventually she realizes being busy on the ship keeps her from thinking about her husband and the life she had abandoned.
As more time passes, Ingrid also realizes the ship is declining. For example, there are less guests. The carpets start to appear dingy and dirty, etc. This leads Ingrid to wonder if it is time for her to go home.
I also hope to find more books by this author and narrator. Thank you Net galley for my ARC.
This was a nice change of pace for me. I enjoyed it. Overall, it is a quirky book with an eccentric main character. You could say this type of novel is an acquired taste. The experience of reading this book more about being symbolic, poignant and thought-provoking than it is to tell a story or sweep you away. It can be a little dark, very weird and.... "British" (I do love British humor tho...) It was a compulsive read for me.
As it is, I love unusual/flawed/eccentric/quicky characters, so Ingrid was a delightful match for me. I also am fascinated by "cruise culture" and wish there were more books about the crew on cruise ships. (I find those mini societies deeply fascinating).
SUMMARY: 5-ish years ago, Ingrid went to work on a huge cruise ship. Cruise employees works nearly every single day, only occasionally getting a day off to go off the ship if they choose. Ingrid doesn't mind and takes pride in her work. She's also been recently selected for an advancement program/mentorship on board.
Ingrid has two close friends on the ship, whom are basically her family. However, once she enters the new program, tensions arise. Meanwhile, in her sessions with Keith (her mentor) we learn more about Ingrid's upbringing and that she is/was married. Eventually she realizes being busy on the ship keeps her from thinking about her husband and the life she had abandoned.
As more time passes, Ingrid also realizes the ship is declining. For example, there are less guests. The carpets start to appear dingy and dirty, etc. This leads Ingrid to wonder if it is time for her to go home.
I also hope to find more books by this author and narrator. Thank you Net galley for my ARC.