Snowflake by Louise Nealon
Heavy on the Sally-Rooney-vibe, Nealon’s novel about a country girl making her way through university at Dublin’s Trinity College is charming. The story included all of my favourite themes (mental health, grief), balanced with gentle but dry humour. The characters are complex yet believable, and the scenes at university and the local pub are so beautifully done, you feel as if you’re there. Heads-up: there’s a magic realism element, which is not my thing at all, however Nealon uses it in a way that is relevant.
4/5 Will eagerly await what Nealon does next.
Rosie by Rose Tremain
I was enthralled from the very beginning of this memoir. Tremain writes so beautifully – succinct but deeply insightful. And her descriptions are the same – something about Keith’s ‘narrow leather shoes gliding across plush carpet…’ and an opening observation about birds sitting on a wire and their likeness to musical notes – she tells us so much with an economy of words.
Although Tremain focuses on her early years at a boarding school, this book is all about her relationship with her mother – honestly, next time I have to write an essay on attachment style, I’ll be mining Rosie for a case study. Those familiar with Tremain’s work will enjoy the references to where elements of real life made it into her fiction. Those unfamiliar with her work can read it for the ‘truth is stranger than fiction’ theme – reading about other families is often crazy!
4.5/5 I loved it so much that I purchased a hard copy after listening to the audio.
The Truth About Her by Jacqueline Maley
A light suspense that borrows plot elements from the real-life Belle Gibson scandal. I appreciated the fact that this book didn’t wrap up altogether neatly, although that said I did wonder if Maley could have left a few elements out for a smoother read (listen). Generally speaking, I’m an unforgiving suspense-reader and I can’t help but look for clues from page one. Listening to audio versions of suspense suits me better – perhaps I don’t pay quite as close attention – regardless, this one was worth the listen.
3/5 Solid.
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Despite reservations, I enjoyed Snowflake. Much more than anything by Rooney I have to say. I thought it had real heart. I do wish she had either really committed to the magic realism or left it out entirely as I don’t think it added anything. The Belle Gibson story really intrigues me, so I might look out for The Truth About Her.
You’re exactly right saying it had ‘heart’.
I’m sort of surprised the Belle Gibson story reached you – I half expected it to be Australian news only…
I spotted Snowflake in my Twitter timeline a while but was a bit unsure about it. Pleased to have been persuaded now.
Well, I loved it in the way that you do when you go into a book with zero expectations. I’m sure the lovely Irish narrator added to my enjoyment.
You’ve done really well on your listens! I still don’t use audiobooks but I should try, especially as my reading’s not back where it was yet.
I’ve listened to more audios during COVID than I ever have before – suited my dwindling attention span (plus I can listen while I cook; do puzzles; or walk).
I was thinking about Sally Rooney today, then ran into an article about her (in the Age) – white privilege! – but I love Normal People. I looked up Snowflake in Borrowbox, which I assume is state specific, Available 30 Nov. I’ll write myself a note and book it later.
Snowflake is well worth the listen.
Re: Rooney – I hunted down the article you referred to… hmmm… I wonder what people would say if white-elite-Rooney chose to write about anything other than what she knows? Would she be accused of cultural and/or social appropriation? Additionally, she never claims her books are anything but stories about white elite. Anyway, the article was written by Jessie Tu, who I cannot forgive for the totally uncalled for hatchet job she did on another Aus female writer – I’m starting to think that’s all she can do!
I agree totally. The implication of Tu’s essay is that white people shouldn’t write.
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