A winding, time-hopping, fantastically introspective reading experience. For the first half, or maybe two thirds, it basically changes styles with each part. Emerging from a frenetically fast and really mindfully rumination on two people being inexorably connected despite time being experienced wildly different for each.

Basically, it’s a short story that segues into a queer story that feels like more of the actual “start” of the story, perhaps the former being a prologue. But a similar tension between a connection to a person and the need to fulfill other things in their lives. Coupled with a character in each which operate in a somewhat disaffected manner due to their interpersonal skills and, probably, some neurodiversity. Interestingly (to me), many readers finding the book really isolating because they don’t find the characters relatable. I found my experience was the exact opposite. Probably because I have similar struggles and people characterize it as a lack of empathy.

Communication can be just tough for some people and I found the authorial voice to be phenomenal at elucidating the thoughts and feelings of the people on both fronts. I thought it was moving and the author is very clearly interested in the same things as me in their scenes, which is nice, and kind of rare for me as a reader. The prose are poetic and exactly to my taste. Word ecosystem felt specific and tailored to the kind of odd story; continually bouncing around time and space and characters and fostering a sense of mystery as things progress. And, as mentioned, wonderfully queer.

This is a 4, but by a hairpin. I wouldn’t be surprised if the reading experience stays with me and it goes up, to be honest. Especially because I will 100% look for a physical copy now, though do wonder if the audiobook is part of what sold it so well and made it so memorable.