osau reviewed Om uträkning av omfång 1 by Solvej Balle
Philosophical and absurd
4 stars
The book is a curious version of Groundhog Day. It is an interesting exploration of how one’s psyche will alter when you are trapped in a situation where you can’t escape.
I had an initial hurdle where I was too curious about the mechanics of the repeating day. All that was explained in due time. After a while I also realized it was beside the point. The book’s strength is how the character swings, wildly, between different moods and perspectives on her situation.
The language is on the poetic side and much of the book is devoted to the thoughts and feelings of the character, which is very well conveyed. The story itself doesn’t feel terribly unique, and in stories like this it is impossible to cover all inconsistencies. It’s philosophical and absurd, and I am reminded of Haruki Murakami’s books.
It’s a septology and I plan to read the …
The book is a curious version of Groundhog Day. It is an interesting exploration of how one’s psyche will alter when you are trapped in a situation where you can’t escape.
I had an initial hurdle where I was too curious about the mechanics of the repeating day. All that was explained in due time. After a while I also realized it was beside the point. The book’s strength is how the character swings, wildly, between different moods and perspectives on her situation.
The language is on the poetic side and much of the book is devoted to the thoughts and feelings of the character, which is very well conveyed. The story itself doesn’t feel terribly unique, and in stories like this it is impossible to cover all inconsistencies. It’s philosophical and absurd, and I am reminded of Haruki Murakami’s books.
It’s a septology and I plan to read the others.