Review by womangenius - Audition

womangenius 's review for:

Audition by Katie Kitamura

4.0

challenging mysterious reflective fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

I really want to love this but I just don't understand it. It was compelling and well written and I loved what was happening, I think?? I'm just so confused. The first half had me so hooked but I think we lost sight of the shore in the second...I suppose I just personally prefer a more coherent story instead of something so experimental and ambiguous. Still, the prose is delightful to read imo, the lack of quote marks makes it a bit difficult to read (audio listeners have it no easier), but it mostly works for the story. I enjoyed the shifting perspectives, the tension, the masterful way that Kitamura is able to bring human interactions to life. I was fascinated with this character and her obsessive observation of others, this novel is almost entirely about what a person is thinking about and what other people are doing. There is almost no description of anything except the human relationships at play, filtered through our narrator's very unreliable perspective.

I loved living in this woman's head but I was left wanting more. The mystery that hooks you isn't solved, the story fractals out into something far grander and more meta, but that meant I wasn't satisfied. Still, the character work and the exhilarating momentum of the plot really keeps you going for most of the book. It's still worth it. It's like having a delicious appetizer and no entree.

Content Warnings