Charlotte

I think everyone should read this – it's about a kidnapper and his victim, but also class and art and beauty. Wasn't sure at first, but then the second half of the story from Miranda's perspective made it a definite five stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I have a new comfort book lol. Enjoyed it more and more as it went on!

This book reminds me of a song I love (‘Chaleur Humaine' by Christine and the Queens) and also of William Blake's poetry. It's all about human connection and how chastity or the coldness brought about by industrial capitalism can weaken it like a disease. Also makes me think that the modern disconnectedness we blame on the internet/smartphones is actually an atrophy stemming back to the 19th and 20th centuries when everything became mechanised or “dead” like D. H. Lawrence puts it :(

But it ends hopefully! I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I was going to, and it's still very relevant. Lots of competing worldviews expressed through different characters. Would definitely recommend!