August Blue

  August Blue, written by Deborah Levy, is a captivating and emotionally powerful novel that delves deep into the complexities of personal identity and self-exploration. The protagonist, Elsa, a talented concert pianist, embarks on a journey throughout Europe while being shadowed by her doppelgänger. The novel raises questions about the nature of identity and the various factors that influence and shape how we view ourselves and our place in the world.

Music holds a significant place in August Blue, serving as an integral part of Elsa’s life and journey of self-discovery. Levy examines the relationship between art and life, and how art can help us make sense of our experiences and emotions. Reflecting on her own experiences, Elsa’s connection to music also undergoes a transformation. She has a better understanding of herself and, by the end of the novel, she emerges as a different person.

As the narrative unfolds, it becomes evident that the pandemic is a significant part of the story. Levy explores how Elsa is coping with the pandemic, highlighting the ways in which it affects not only her life but also the lives of those around her. Isolation, uncertainty, economic adversity, anxiety, and depression are constant themes throughout the story.

I loved Levy’s insightful storytelling, intensity, and vivid imagery, as well as her ability to delve into the depths of the human experience. It is because of this quest for self-discovery and the exploration of the many facets of identity that August Blue is such a compelling reading.