Book No. 47 of 2020
This is the type of book where not much happens, plot-wise; what the book has to offer is piquant observation and exquisitely stated truths (about life, relationships, womanhood, our perceptions of truth/reality, etc.).
Overall I was really taken by Cusk’s writing—her metaphors for specific feelings and states of mind are really brilliant, her descriptions are very evocative, and the book gave me the sensation of having multiple deep, intimate conversations with friends and strangers. (Also, in this era of the lockdown, I was very emotionally affected by things like the narrator meeting friends in restaurants, characters talking to seat mates on planes, and the idea of traveling and exploring new cities.)
Also, this book bears the honor of being the first piece of writing I’ve read in years that has forced me to look up the definitions of words I don’t know (there were three such words in this book).
Similar Reads
The specific observational quality of Cusk’s writing reminded me of Sally Rooney’s books (specifically Normal People).
The ruminating on human nature, and the use of travel/conversation as a device for thinking and observation, gave me some Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance (by Robert Pirsig) vibes.
And yes, this also reminded me of Anna Burns’ Milkman!