A Reader’s Journey in 2019: Reviews of Recent Books

As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, I am currently on sabbatical, which has given me the opportunity to dive into some books that have been on my reading list for quite some time. So far in 2019, I’ve come across a few gems that I believe are worth mentioning.

First up is “Convenience Store Woman” by Sayaka Murata. This novel has received a lot of critical acclaim, and for good reason. The story follows a neuro-atypical protagonist who works in a convenience store, and serves as a critique of Japanese work culture. While the ending may be disturbing for some readers, I found it to be a refreshing and thought-provoking read.

Next, “Golden Hill” by Francis Spufford is a picaresque novel set in early New York. The vivid details about the city made me want to explore lower Manhattan with a copy of the book in hand. With a surprising twist and Spufford’s masterful use of language, this book kept me engaged from start to finish.

“The Ministry of Pain” by Dubravka Ugrešić is a novel that delves into the complexities of language, war, and trauma through the eyes of a Balkan refugee teaching literature in Amsterdam. The slow unfurling of the story creates a palpable sense of discomfort that is both challenging and rewarding for the reader.

Nnedi Okorafor’s “Binti: Home” and “Binti: The Night Masquerade” are books two and three in a sci-fi trilogy that continues to expand the world and deepen the protagonist’s character arc. While I wished for more development of the secondary characters, the novellas left me inspired to fill in the gaps with my own imagination.

Lastly, “Stranger in a Strange Land: Searching for Gershom Scholem and Jerusalem” by George Prochnik is a biographical account of Gershom Scholem, the founder of the academic study of Kabbalah, intertwined with the author’s own experiences in Jerusalem. While the alternating narrative styles made for a challenging read, the insights into Scholem’s life and work were illuminating.

Overall, 2019 has been a year of diverse and engaging reads for me. I look forward to continuing to explore new books during my sabbatical and beyond. What books have you been enjoying lately? Let me know in the comments below!