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anusha_reads 's review for:
What I'd Rather Not Think About
by Jente Posthuma
dark
sad
medium-paced
BOOK 7: WHAT I’D RATHER NOT THINK ABOUT, JENTE POSTHUMA, Tr. SARAH TIMMER HARVEY, SHORTLISTED FOR #INTERNATIONALBOOKER2024
In this narrative, we encounter fraternal twins, a brother, and a sister, with the sister serving as the narrator. The story unfolds through vignettes from their past and their present, not constrained by chronological order, each reflecting the sister's introspection on her bond with her brother and her quest to understand the 'why' behind his passing.
The narrative delves into the profound challenges of mental health that the brother faced, as recounted from the sister's perspective. The author skilfully portrays his inner struggles and the impact on those around him. It's a poignant exploration that does not shy away from the complexities of mental well-being, particularly regarding the sensitive subject of ‘ending one’s life’ and its aftermath on loved ones.
“BY MY TWENTY-SEVENTH BIRTHDAY, I OWNED 142 SWEATERS, AND IT WAS HIGH TIME I SAW A THERAPIST.”
The sister has an affinity for sweaters, which leads her to impulsively purchase them, often gifting them to her twin; emphasizing their close bond.
The book stresses the beautiful connection between the twins, highlighting the heightened sense of empathy, protective attitude, and understanding for each other.
“A RECOLLECTION IS OFTEN BLEAKER THAN THE EVENT ITSELF.”
Why are some memories called fond memories while others are easily forgotten?
How do people deal with recurrent memories?
As they mature, their paths diverge, and the narrator tries hard to maintain the closeness. To her, what seemed like a lifelong bond abruptly ended when her brother took his own life, evoking a profound sense of sadness. Witnessing the brother’s mental health challenges, suffering, and eventual termination of his life was heart-wrenching. It was equally difficult for her as she grappled with the aftermath.
“I THOUGHT ABOUT ALL THE LOVE WE HAVE INSIDE US AND HOW ONLY A SHRED OF THAT REACHES THE PEOPLE WE CARE ABOUT.”
QOTD: WHAT GENRES DO YOU READ THE MOST?
EVERYTHING HAD TO GO, THE WORLD WAS BUCKLING UNDER THE WEIGHT OF OUR POSSESSIONS. THE FACT THAT REUSING THINGS WAS FAR BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT THAN DESTROYING THEM DIDN'T SEEM TO GET THROUGH TO HIM."
The author's references to historical events and literary figures like Sylvia Plath, Virginia Woolf, and a few others, who all took their own lives, add depth without overshadowing the core theme.
The translation preserves the narrative's emotional depth.
Despite its brevity, it's a weighty read, tackling difficult subjects with grace and empathy.
In this narrative, we encounter fraternal twins, a brother, and a sister, with the sister serving as the narrator. The story unfolds through vignettes from their past and their present, not constrained by chronological order, each reflecting the sister's introspection on her bond with her brother and her quest to understand the 'why' behind his passing.
The narrative delves into the profound challenges of mental health that the brother faced, as recounted from the sister's perspective. The author skilfully portrays his inner struggles and the impact on those around him. It's a poignant exploration that does not shy away from the complexities of mental well-being, particularly regarding the sensitive subject of ‘ending one’s life’ and its aftermath on loved ones.
“BY MY TWENTY-SEVENTH BIRTHDAY, I OWNED 142 SWEATERS, AND IT WAS HIGH TIME I SAW A THERAPIST.”
The sister has an affinity for sweaters, which leads her to impulsively purchase them, often gifting them to her twin; emphasizing their close bond.
The book stresses the beautiful connection between the twins, highlighting the heightened sense of empathy, protective attitude, and understanding for each other.
“A RECOLLECTION IS OFTEN BLEAKER THAN THE EVENT ITSELF.”
Why are some memories called fond memories while others are easily forgotten?
How do people deal with recurrent memories?
As they mature, their paths diverge, and the narrator tries hard to maintain the closeness. To her, what seemed like a lifelong bond abruptly ended when her brother took his own life, evoking a profound sense of sadness. Witnessing the brother’s mental health challenges, suffering, and eventual termination of his life was heart-wrenching. It was equally difficult for her as she grappled with the aftermath.
“I THOUGHT ABOUT ALL THE LOVE WE HAVE INSIDE US AND HOW ONLY A SHRED OF THAT REACHES THE PEOPLE WE CARE ABOUT.”
QOTD: WHAT GENRES DO YOU READ THE MOST?
EVERYTHING HAD TO GO, THE WORLD WAS BUCKLING UNDER THE WEIGHT OF OUR POSSESSIONS. THE FACT THAT REUSING THINGS WAS FAR BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT THAN DESTROYING THEM DIDN'T SEEM TO GET THROUGH TO HIM."
The author's references to historical events and literary figures like Sylvia Plath, Virginia Woolf, and a few others, who all took their own lives, add depth without overshadowing the core theme.
The translation preserves the narrative's emotional depth.
Despite its brevity, it's a weighty read, tackling difficult subjects with grace and empathy.