A review by roysbookmark
Borne by Jeff VanderMeer

5.0

I always felt small in that place, amongst the cathedrals of that age.


When I reflect on this novel, I reach a simple description: pleasantly bizarre. Borne is unlike anything I've ever read before. VanderMeer does an impeccable job of the classic "show, don't tell". There were several points throughout reading this where I had to double back and reread a sentence or a paragraph to truly understand what was going on. At first glance that may seem like I'm speaking negatively of the text, but I promise you that I reread out of pure curiosity and pleasure.

We were always finding each other and losing each other and finding each other again, and that was just the way of us.


While the prose found in Borne may not be overtly flowery or poetic, I can assure you that you will find beauty within it. There were many quotes I took away and highlighted throughout the novel – a testament to VanderMeer's powerful writing. As for the story itself, I cannot even begin to explain it without spoiling all the fun. I promise you that it's worth the read and will leave you wanting more of this beautiful world crafted before you.

He kept gaining parts of the world, while I kept losing them.


I was recommended this book by a friend and I can confidently tell you that I am so glad that I gave it a chance. Borne was my first time reading VanderMeer's work – now I know it will not be the last.

SpoilerI wanted to be worthy of it, the way Wick shone so bright, for me.