Hourglass is a collection of short diary entries disguised as a lyrical poem disguised as a novella. The book is written in short pragraphs (usually less than 3 sentences, if that) arranged in very short chapters that tell stories of modern love and loss, Characters remain sparsely described and largely unnamed (or the names don't matter) which leads to this being more of an impressionistic art piece rather than a book.

I really wanted to like Hourglass but I don't think I was the correct audience for it as experimental writing isn't quite for me. That said, I found it engaging and refreshing in its brevity. Reading this book felt like going to a slam poetry night where I didn't have much in common with the speaker but could see how the material could be emotionally poignant for other people. This was similar to the experience I had reading Ocean Vuong's on Earth We Are Briefly Gorgeous, where some portions felt both over and underwritten in a way that didn't land with me but that I've seen other people enjoy.

Recommended if you are interested in millennial love and heartbreak, enjoy lyrical styles akin to Ocean Vuong, and are ok with "no plot just vibes" when it comes to your novellas.


Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review!

More thoughts here: https://youtu.be/PzkEfMJg21M