A review by jessalynn_librarian
Let the Northern Lights Erase Your Name by Vendela Vida

3.0

I wanted to like this book, but it never quite hooked me emotionally. At the same time, it was easy to lose myself in it, and a quick, interesting read. A lot of points felt intentionally unresolved, which bugged me some. I felt sorry for all the characters that Clarissa ditched on her literal/metaphorical journey. The sense of place was great, and the characters were often compelling (except, sometimes, Clarissa herself). But the language felt a little too self-consciously almost cute sometimes - cute is not the right word, but the closest I can come. Things like, "I pulled out two loud-ticking alarm clocks I'd come across when furtively packing, and held one clock up to each ear. All I could hear was time." Part of me wants to like that, but really only if Clarissa then makes fun of herself for thinking it. Not if she just ends the moment there.

Overall, though, I did like it - and I wouldn't discourage anyone from giving it a try if it sounds interesting. I'm just not going to run around raving about it.