Butter by Asako Yuzuki (translated by Polly Barton)
Absolutely certain that I’ve missed the point of this novel – there was a clear message about the role and expectations of women in Japanese society but I’m not sure how much was satire and how much was direct commentary.
I was irritated by the narrative inconsistencies – for example, some characters claimed to know nothing about cooking, and then later they were recalling recipes from memory and reflecting on ‘triumphs’ during their school cooking class. Additionally, there were details that simply didn’t make sense – one character’s family pet dog is ‘her world’ and yet, on return to the family home, she is unsure as to whether the dog is even alive (having not visited for years). The inconsistencies didn’t help with pacing – there were parts where I felt bogged down in minute detail, and other bits where the reader is left to fill in the gaps. Overall, I’m not sure what the fuss is about (perhaps read Jennifer’s review – she enjoyed this book much more than I did).
1/5
The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff
From the outset, the pace of this novel was extraordinary – breathless, frightened, relentless. It’s historical but the thrust is a reflection on survival and what we need as humans to thrive. There’s an existential element but beautifully executed within the context a girl’s journey through the ‘wilds’.
Groff gives the reader a deep and visceral experience – we see, feel, hear and smell the woods – I think this was enhanced by choosing to listen to an audio version of this book.
I can’t wait to read more by Groff.
4/5
Here for the Right Reasons by Jodi McAlister
Here For the Right Reasons is the first part of a chick-lit trilogy – everything I’d normally run from – but this book was fun and light and exactly what I needed (the perfect counterpoint to the heavier books I was reading at the same time).
The story is focused on the filming of a Bachelor-style reality show. Needless to say, the show is as over-produced and as carefully orchestrated as you would expect, and we get glimpses of each of the characters either playing their part or railing against it. What happens in front of the camera is nowhere near as dramatic as what happens behind-the-scenes. It reminded me of the brilliant TV series, UnREAL.
My library has parts two and three of the trilogy – I’ll be cuing them for future light listening.
3/5