A review by ahyacinthine
Where Reasons End by Yiyun Li

reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

The way that grief and motherhood are depicted in this novel is unreal and unconventional. This book was able to tug at my heartstrings in spite of its lack of lengthy descriptions of grief or terror or death. My emotions, whether they were nostalgic or sad or introspective, were brought out upon me through the dialogue this mother creates with her son /and herself/ most of all. It made me rethink the framework that we typically use to tell stories of loss and anguish; it’s uniqueness made me find some satisfied appreciation amidst a story so melancholy.
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