Scan barcode
A review by maithewriter
The Young Bride by Ann Goldstein, Alessandro Baricco
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I think I made the mistake of reading this book in tranches, during my spare time, because I feel that it should be consumed in one fell swoop -- it doesn't even have chapters, just natural breaks in the story.
That said, reading this book was an absolutely beautiful, melodious, enchanting experience. At first it was hard to get into -- the characters seem dream-like, their antics and behavior weird, the POV shifting all of a sudden, the fourth wall broken one too many times. But once you let go and just let it take you wherever, you'll start to appreciate the masterful way this was written.
For me, it felt like navigating a dark house, now and then bumping onto something (a realization or insight coming from the meanderings of the narrator). It also felt like diving deep into the sea of the story, coming up for air into the consciousness of the narrator, and diving again. It's a one-of-a-kind experience -- don't try to look for meaning, just feel it.
If you're looking for a straightforward, plot-driven story that makes sense, this isn't for you. But if you're one to appreciate language and literary style regardless of the substance, you'll enjoy reading this.
That said, reading this book was an absolutely beautiful, melodious, enchanting experience. At first it was hard to get into -- the characters seem dream-like, their antics and behavior weird, the POV shifting all of a sudden, the fourth wall broken one too many times. But once you let go and just let it take you wherever, you'll start to appreciate the masterful way this was written.
For me, it felt like navigating a dark house, now and then bumping onto something (a realization or insight coming from the meanderings of the narrator). It also felt like diving deep into the sea of the story, coming up for air into the consciousness of the narrator, and diving again. It's a one-of-a-kind experience -- don't try to look for meaning, just feel it.
If you're looking for a straightforward, plot-driven story that makes sense, this isn't for you. But if you're one to appreciate language and literary style regardless of the substance, you'll enjoy reading this.