A review by essenceandhoney
You Should Have Left by Daniel Kehlmann

dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

You Should Have Left” is a chilling, mind-bending novella that does atmosphere so well. The unease creeps in early and never lets up—Kehlmann nails the sense of isolation and psychological unraveling. I loved the eerie shifts in space and time within the house, but I did wish the story went just a little deeper or lingered longer. It felt like it ended before it fully hit its stride. Still, it’s a haunting, clever little story that sticks with you after you turn the last page.”