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A review by mimothysmall
Life, Only Better by Anna Gavalda
4.0
This was a quick read, it’s actually two novellas combined into one book. I found Mathilde, the protagonist of the first novella, unbearable. She seemed completely self obsessed and inward looking, but I admired the quality of the author’s writing. Part of my discomfort was due to how vividly Mathilde’s thoughts were written, and I found her so unpleasant
In contrast, I loved Yann within the first few pages of his story. Inevitably I loved Isaac too, and the advice he gives Yann to guard his nest, to not go extinct from politeness, that nest being himself. I feel like I’ve visited Isaac and Alice’s apartment, and I felt the victory of Yann’s emancipation from Melanie, I enjoyed how his integrity and values were prioritised, that he needed to be free from her because she was rude and disrespectful.
In contrast, I loved Yann within the first few pages of his story. Inevitably I loved Isaac too, and the advice he gives Yann to guard his nest, to not go extinct from politeness, that nest being himself. I feel like I’ve visited Isaac and Alice’s apartment, and I felt the victory of Yann’s emancipation from Melanie, I enjoyed how his integrity and values were prioritised, that he needed to be free from her because she was rude and disrespectful.