I am currently on sabbatical, which means I have more time to read things, both technical and non-technical. While I haven’t been reading books at a rapid pace, 2019 has already introduced me to a few good ones.
One of these is Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata. The book has received critical acclaim, but I can understand why some readers might be put off by it, as the story becomes quite disturbing towards the end. The narrator and protagonist seem to be neuro-atypical, which is reflected in the writing style. Additionally, the book serves as a critique of Japanese work culture, presenting a different perspective than the typical office worker narrative.
Another book I enjoyed is Golden Hill by Francis Spufford. This picaresque novel provides rich details about early New York, making me want to explore lower Manhattan with a copy of the book to trace the locations mentioned. There is a surprising twist in the story that I won’t spoil, and Spufford’s talent for language shines through, making it a captivating read.
The Ministry of Pain by Dubravka Ugrešić is a novel by a Balkan author living in Amsterdam, revolving around a Balkan refugee teaching literature to other refugees. The narrative delves into themes of language, war, and identity, creating a thought-provoking atmosphere. The slow unfolding of the story adds to the depth and complexity of the novel.
Binti: Home and Binti: The Night Masquerade by Nnedi Okorafor are the second and third books in a sci-fi trilogy. The world expands beyond the first book, showcasing Binti’s dramatic character development. While I wished for more exploration of secondary characters, the novellas leave room for imagination to fill in the gaps.
Stranger in a Strange Land: Searching for Gershom Scholem and Jerusalem by George Prochnik offers a biographical account of Gershom Scholem, a key figure in the academic study of Kabbalah. The narrative intertwines with the author’s personal experiences in Jerusalem, creating a blend of biography and memoir. While the alternating perspectives have their merits, the book can be challenging to read due to its discursive nature.