In "Divided Island" by Daniela Tarazona, readers are invited into a haunting and introspective journey through one woman’s struggle with cerebral dysrhythmia. Translated with care and precision, this novella is a quiet yet profoundly eerie exploration of the human psyche.

Tarazona's prose is both observant and elusive, weaving a tapestry of poetic language that evokes deep emotions and lingering impressions. Despite its brevity, the novella is rich in depth and feeling, capturing the essence of the narrator’s internal turmoil with haunting clarity.

At its core, "Divided Island" delves into themes of autonomy and control, as the narrator grapples with the fractured nature of her own identity. Through the lens of cerebral dysrhythmia, Tarazona illuminates the fragility of the mind and body, highlighting the inherent struggles of the human condition.

The novella is highly experimental, challenging readers to confront the limitations of language in capturing the complexities of lived experiences. Tarazona deftly navigates the intricacies of the human psyche, crafting a narrative that is as enigmatic as it is thought-provoking.

While the novella may leave readers with unanswered questions and a sense of ambiguity, its elegant and evocative prose ensures that it remains a captivating read from start to finish. I often wasn’t exactly sure what was going on throughout this book but found I couldn’t step away from Tarazona’s indelible prose. While I’m not sure the novella added up to anything impactful for me, I still enjoyed reading Tarazona’s compelling glimpse into human consciousness.

I would recommend this one for fans of Anne Boyer and Eliza Berry Callahan.