Welcome to Litsy!

A bisexual woman in a fever looks back on four individuals who were significant in her life. These quiet, exquisite character studies are crafted from ordinary details that, together, give us a portrait of the narrator. And a reminder that every one of us is extraordinary. Translation from Swedish by Kira Josefsson. Long, multiple-clause sentences flow smoothly in the audio edition read by Julie Maisey. So good I listened to it twice. #LGBTQ

Some books stay in your bones long after their titles and details have slipped from memory.

In my latest Friday Reads: Big dog, tiny hippo, a fur coat that growls, sacred bones, holiday rentals, mud brick construction, brownstone renovation, rage, joy etc

https://youtu.be/BjJkKy8QAHY

Catch up review from mid year 3/5

Suffering from a fever, a woman reflects on the important relationships in her life. Set in Stockholm, I bought the book there and read it after my visit, which added to my enjoyment. Although it‘s very much a character driven book, there was a definite sense of place.

The photo is Stockholm, looking towards Gamla Stan from Mosebacketerrassen in Sodermalm

I very much enjoyed this book, tearing through it in a single night. The narrator has a fever, during which she plumbs her memories of a handful of people from her life. This is very much a character book, with no driving narrative except for how relationships form, change and fall apart. I found the choice of the final chapter somewhat jarring, but I think it worked in terms of perspective on the narrator‘s other relationships. Thoughtful!

Is she ok? Am I ok after reading it?

This book delves deep into the roles of identity, deception, and what is real versus perceived. Each of the characters in the book is created intelligently with both their actions and what motivates them being swathed in ambiguity and intrigue....
Full Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6615927792

The sun is out! (Momentarily) Back to the happy place. 🌞

Two word review? Very Swedish.
Young people have undiagnosed mental health problems whilst not having to worry too much about £. Or rather, kroner. Lovely turn of phrase though, and a definite fit for the books about books trend too.

Everyone I know remembers the time right before the turn of the millennium with a certain embarrassment since the excitement seemed so disproportionate after the fact, so headless; silly, in a way. It was a collective impulse, like a global popular movement, but nobody could give it a more profound explanation than 'the passing of time'. The numbers felt magical, and they were magical, but only in the way that numbers are.

#InternationalBooker Shortlist 2024

3.5/5 🌟

This book looks into the intricate dynamics of relationships, exploring how the people we encounter shape our lives. While well-written, it may lack the excitement to sustain interest throughout. However, the final chapter offers a captivating conclusion that left me liking the book better.

I‘m not sure about the fever premise (maybe I‘ve just never suffered through a long fever) but otherwise I liked this story of a woman told through her memories of consequential relationships in her life. It felt familiar as I often find myself doing a similar thing these days - reflecting on life through people who have come and gone.

@BarbaraBB

Offbeat 1990‘s Stockholm. This reads a lot like Rachel Cusk, but it‘s a study of relationships, lovers, friendships and mom. It has a lovely tolerance of personal oddities and failures, and a warmth in appreciating the whole person. I enjoyed it. (And it‘s short. Took this slow reader 3.5 hours to read these 137 pages) #Booker2024

Started this, a library loan. Getting Rachel Cusk vibes. #booker2024

We learn about the narrator‘s life in Sweden by the details she shares of her relationship with four different people who have disappeared from her life. This could have been interesting and the raving reviews in the media do certainly think so but I didn‘t unfortunately 🤷🏻‍♀️

#ATY24 - Senior citizen #52BookClub24 - Character Driven #Pop24 - About a writer

My first DNF this year. To be fair to the book, I put myself on the hold list at the library after seeing rave reviews without knowing anything about it. I made it 16 p into this 140 p novel, but when I start wanting to do anything but reading, it‘s time to take the hint. So not for me.

#WeeklyForecast 08/24

I am reading both Pet as well as The Stationery Shop and will finish them soon. Pet is great, The Stationery Shop not so. Next will be the tagged which I bought based on a review in I think the NYT but not sure about that. It‘s short so I should be able to make a start with another #LitsyToB24 book, one of which I have high expectations!