A review by nancyjzigler
Beside the Sea by Véronique Olmi

1.0

I always feel people shouldn’t judge a book based off of subject matter, as it simply demonstrates an ignorance to appreciate the beauty of words, and form, and all the other lovely things that make up writing. That being said, I had to put my blind spot on for this one. It felt unfair to juxtapose so much suffering alongside two sweet children, and the mother acting against her children (as in killing them) was too much for me as a mother to read and appreciate. I believe in mental illness/stigma, but if a book also acts as a political statement, I don’t think this one accomplished or gave credit to the lyricism and honesty of the writing because of the end shock value.