Welcome to Litsy!

Conceptually, this book is fantastic, and the fact that it highlights young women boxers is exceptional. I bear some responsibility for my somewhat “meh“ reaction to the book as I have very little interest in boxing, and I'm sure that sullied my reaction a bit. #TOB2025 #TOB25 Full review: https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/3934124522060211942/278442361882261270

In part one the unnamed protagonist meets a younger man in a restaurant. Then part two, the same characters, but an entirely different story. Despite my confusion I didn‘t dislike this. The writing was sharp and elegant and at times probed what we perceive as a family in a refreshingly uncomfortable way. As a whole, reading this made me feel grown up and almost elegant myself, completely swayed by the New York vibe. A brief, enjoyable conundrum.

The book follows Istvan through various stages of his life. He says little more than “yeah” or “okay.” In one sense it‘s easy to read; very short blunt sentences, little in the way of dialogue. In another sense it‘s hard to read; who is Istvan, what is he thinking? Yet of course, this is the point. Definitely a book that benefits reading a review or two as you go along I think. In short - odd and intriguing, glad I read it, glad it‘s finished.

After moving his daughter to college, instead of returning to the now empty nest of him and his wife Amy, Tom continues driving. All across the US, visiting friends and relatives and thinking a lot. He‘s your typical white 50+ male and that makes the book a bit predictable, yet I enjoyed spending time with Tom and his akward relationships.

Thanks for sharing this book with me Helen!

📸 Magome, Japans

.

This is why I follow the Women's Prize each year more than any other.

I enjoyed this. As others have said the writing style is paired down and sparse. I think that reflects both the idea of the Eastern European and the Man. This is a character study and can be taken quite philosophically.
It is also a bit depressing! István goes along to get along and that leads to some really unfortunate situations. I really appreciate how Szalay portrayed mental health in aan we would assume avoids it.

I finished this just b4 the prize announcement. I see the merit in the life story of Istzan, a Hungarian immigrant, + found the book v absorbing but I dont know if I actually liked the book. Its a book abt modern masculinity, so he is monosyllabic drawn into sexual relationships and struggles to express his feelings, including significant losses. It certainly is a book to discuss in a time where toxicity of negative male influences is prevalent.

Well. That was depressing.
Very effective writing style, but I have some reservations about the plot. Soft pick.
Can I see why it won the #Booker ? Yes, but I would still have gone with Audition 😂