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rebeccatcm 's review for:
The Discomfort of Evening
by Lucas Rijneveld
PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION:
“I asked God if he please couldn't take my brother Matthies instead of my rabbit. 'Amen.'
Ten-year-old Jas has a unique way of experiencing her universe: the feeling of udder ointment on her skin as protection against harsh winters; the texture of green warts, like capers, on migrating toads; the sound of 'blush words' that aren't in the Bible. But when a tragic accident ruptures the family, her curiosity warps into a vortex of increasingly disturbing fantasies - unlocking a darkness that threatens to derail them all."
NO SPOILERS
This is a touching, somewhat beautiful, though disturbing debut novel, which, as I write has been selected for the short list of the Booker International Prize 2020 and deservedly so.
Rijneveld writes in the first person, the tale being told through the thoughts and observations of ten year old Jas up to her being twelve…and what observations! They sometimes seem too advanced for a child but this is no ordinary child and this is no ordinary book. I especially loved the portrayal of the slow decline of her mother which is full of pathos and often, desperation.
Rijneveld’s/Jas’ style flows well and is easy to read; she had me at the first line and not many authors do that.
I did have to frequently remind myself that the jaw dropping naivity of the children was due to their strict, reformist upbringing, at times more cult than religion.
There are scenes which some readers will find uncomfortable, some are very disturbing but none are gratuitous. And whilst the first line had me hooked, the last had me holding my breath. A stunning debut, beautifully written and I assume skillfully translated; I’m crossing my fingers for the Booker!
Thank you to NetGalley and Faber & Faber for the Advanced Reader Copy of the book, which I have voluntarily reviewed.
“I asked God if he please couldn't take my brother Matthies instead of my rabbit. 'Amen.'
Ten-year-old Jas has a unique way of experiencing her universe: the feeling of udder ointment on her skin as protection against harsh winters; the texture of green warts, like capers, on migrating toads; the sound of 'blush words' that aren't in the Bible. But when a tragic accident ruptures the family, her curiosity warps into a vortex of increasingly disturbing fantasies - unlocking a darkness that threatens to derail them all."
NO SPOILERS
This is a touching, somewhat beautiful, though disturbing debut novel, which, as I write has been selected for the short list of the Booker International Prize 2020 and deservedly so.
Rijneveld writes in the first person, the tale being told through the thoughts and observations of ten year old Jas up to her being twelve…and what observations! They sometimes seem too advanced for a child but this is no ordinary child and this is no ordinary book. I especially loved the portrayal of the slow decline of her mother which is full of pathos and often, desperation.
Rijneveld’s/Jas’ style flows well and is easy to read; she had me at the first line and not many authors do that.
I did have to frequently remind myself that the jaw dropping naivity of the children was due to their strict, reformist upbringing, at times more cult than religion.
There are scenes which some readers will find uncomfortable, some are very disturbing but none are gratuitous. And whilst the first line had me hooked, the last had me holding my breath. A stunning debut, beautifully written and I assume skillfully translated; I’m crossing my fingers for the Booker!
Thank you to NetGalley and Faber & Faber for the Advanced Reader Copy of the book, which I have voluntarily reviewed.