Katerina - James Frey

Drama (Melo)

Rating: 4/10

It’s said that when you read, sometimes it’s for the story, sometimes for the words, and if you are lucky you will get both. No luck here, this one is only good for the words. The author delivers up a regurgitation of beautiful language that the characters prove themselves to be utterly unworthy of. Our vacuous narrator exquisitely describes his heart’s desire but in the writing of its fulfillment comes across with a blandness that is bound to leave you unsatisfied. In the end this novel is an epic wallow in self-indulgence and malaise, not the best fit.

Footnote: I posted this review as some readers might enjoy this type of book, the opinions online certainly go both ways. As a book club choice there would be a lot to talk about.