Rating: 3 out of 5

I wanted to like this more than I did as it was a recommendation from a friend. I thought the first section was wonderful - really descriptive, interesting characters, interesting story-telling, great emotions. But then it lost itself and I have to say that the last bit was a slog. And finishing it feels like a relief rather than a celebration. It’s not in the same league as Secret History.

Highlighted passages:

The thought of returning to any kind of normal routine seemed disloyal, wrong

one foot after the other. There’s no other way to get through this

Most people responded to me with a cautious, half-terrified politeness

When we are sad – at least I am like this – it can be comforting to cling to familiar objects, to the things that don’t change.

The loneliness that separates every living creature from every other living creature. Sorrow inseparable from joy.

no way forward but age and loss, and no way out but death.

Originally posted to my Goodreads account