Dnf’d on page 101. I just could not connect with the characters or the structure. Well written but just clearly not for me.

Probably nothing new to say about this? I love the dialogue (some truly beautiful, poetic lines) and the major themes. It’s decidedly dated in some ways while remaining scarily relevant in others. The patriarchy certainly hasn’t gotten any better.

A Powerful book that could have used some more connective tissue. Great concept, good at imparting complex feelings and ideas. The structure just made it feel a bit jarring in the execution.

There is an endearing quality to the prose when the focus is on imagery and travelogue aspects.

The problem for me is that most of the interactions between characters either weren’t interesting, or else had a sad and pathetic quality. In part, this might be down to the antiquated gender roles and the energy sapping way these people talk to each other.

Clearly it has something to say and I think it has a clever way of communicating those things it has something to say about. It’s just hard to get into when you’re not into the characters. If not for the pleasant prose outside of the characters this might have been a 2 star rating.