Interesting. Very similar to "All the Bright Places" in many ways. Again, we have an author writing a story about suicide because of a personal experience. Again, we have an improbable relationship between two people who come across each other at the darkest moments of their lives, and again, we have a school assignment that pushes them to explore the world a bit. With all the similarities, however, the conclusion is very different. In many ways, this one had the ending I wanted that I didn't get in "All the Bright Places" -- but did I like it better? As mentioned, I didn't like the other book's ending, but it did feel real. In this story, the circumstances feel a tad forced, even if the characters ring painfully and powerfully real. I particularly liked Aysel's description of her depression as "a black slug" inside her that eats away at everything good. It is a vivid description, and a very accurate one, IMHO. I also liked her dead-end job as a telemarketer. Not only is it the perfect description of a purposeless life, but the snapshots of the people she speaks with communicate volumes about our isolation, and our connections. Because we only see her point of view, this one is a bit more lovey-dovey than the other book. There are no male perspectives here to temper her voice as she falls head over heels in love, although, as Aysel begins to see herself through the eyes of Roman, he is able to show her a reflection she doesn't expect. Finally, I liked the fact that the parents here are complex, and not cut-outs. They have dimension and don't respond the way you would think they do. If you read both books, you may feel obligated to do a compare and contrast, but it is a worthwhile read in any case. And this one won't leave you feeling devastated.
No comments:
Post a Comment