August Blue
Ratings17
Average rating3.5
15
Ratings17
Average rating3.5
The mesmerising new novel from the twice Booker-shortlisted author of Hot Milk and Swimming Home If she was my double and I was hers, was it true that she was knowing, I was unknowing, she was sane, I was crazy, she was wise, I was foolish? The air was electric between us, the way we transmitted our feelings to each other as they flowed through our arms, which were touching. At the height of her career, the piano virtuoso Elsa M. Anderson—former child prodigy, now in her thirties—walks off the stage in Vienna, midperformance. Now she is in Athens, watching an uncannily familiar woman purchase a pair of mechanical dancing horses at a flea market. Elsa wants the horses too, but there are no more for sale. She drifts to the ferry port, on the run from her talent and her history. So begins her journey across Europe, shadowed by the elusive woman who seems to be her double. A dazzling portrait of melancholy and metamorphosis, Deborah Levy’s August Blue uncovers the ways in which we attempt to revise our oldest stories and make ourselves anew.
Reviews with the most likes.
I've been sitting with this book for a couple of days now because quite frankly I'm not sure I get it. I liked the main character well enough and her general sense of unease as well as the way Levy captured the Covid/”post-Covid” weirdness so but I can't help but feel like I missed something.
The writing style was pleasant and there's probably a lot about the imagery that I could sit with and pick apart so points for that (in other words, if you were the kid who enjoyed thinking about why the curtains were blue, you'll like this one).
“August Blue” by Deborah Levy is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that explores the complexities of human relationships and the power of art. The narrative follows a young artist named Blue who, after a chance encounter, embarks on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Throughout the book, Blue grapples with the meaning of love, the impact of family, and the role of art in shaping our lives.
Levy's writing is both evocative and insightful, capturing the inner turmoil of Blue with vivid imagery and poetic prose. The lack of quotation marks in dialogue can be both a strength and a weakness. It adds to the fluidity of the inner dialogue, which plays a crucial role in the story, allowing the reader to fully immerse themselves in Blue's thoughts and emotions. On the other hand, it can be confusing for some readers who are used to the traditional dialogue format.
The character development is excellent, and the story gradually unfolds in unexpected ways, leaving the reader eager to see what comes next. The themes of art, identity, and relationships are woven together seamlessly, making “August Blue” a rich and satisfying read.
Levy's writing is powerful and evocative, capturing the complexities of identity and the fluidity of time in a way that is both poignant and haunting. The themes of time, doubling, and shattered identity are woven together in a way that is both thought-provoking and emotionally charged.
Overall, I highly recommend “August Blue” to anyone looking for a thought-provoking and emotionally charged novel. Deborah Levy's writing is exceptional, and the story is sure to leave a lasting impact on the reader. If you're a fan of literary fiction and are looking for a unique and memorable reading experience, “August Blue” is a must-read.
