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stalkingkafka's Reviews (279)
This book was different than anything else I've read. It had a very mystical, fable like quality to it. Our protagonist, Janina, is a bit of an eccentric, loner character. Deeply into astrology and a nature lover, she lives alone in a small polish village where she maintains the summer cottages owned by wealthy city folks.
Although this story has the plot of a murder mystery, the writing has a very dreamy quality to it. The plot itself begins with the killing of Janina's neighbor, who she has named Big Foot. As one of the first people on the scene, Janina inserts herself into the investigation. From then on, more people in the village start to turn up dead. As Janina finds herself more and more implicated, we begin to wonder what she has to do with the murders and what her fate will be.
Tokarczuk explores several philosophical themes throughout the novel. The most obvious is the relationship between humans and animals. Animals are a big part of the story, and she questions our place in the world relative to them.
I loved this book because it was so unusual and thought provoking. I loved Janina because she was such an oddball. Making friends with animals, reading the stars, and giving unusual nicknames to everyone she met. Through her, Tokarczuk reminds us that older, seemingly off-the-wall women have something to say that we could benefit from listening to.
Although this story has the plot of a murder mystery, the writing has a very dreamy quality to it. The plot itself begins with the killing of Janina's neighbor, who she has named Big Foot. As one of the first people on the scene, Janina inserts herself into the investigation. From then on, more people in the village start to turn up dead. As Janina finds herself more and more implicated, we begin to wonder what she has to do with the murders and what her fate will be.
Tokarczuk explores several philosophical themes throughout the novel. The most obvious is the relationship between humans and animals. Animals are a big part of the story, and she questions our place in the world relative to them.
I loved this book because it was so unusual and thought provoking. I loved Janina because she was such an oddball. Making friends with animals, reading the stars, and giving unusual nicknames to everyone she met. Through her, Tokarczuk reminds us that older, seemingly off-the-wall women have something to say that we could benefit from listening to.
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
