Mona

How long do bruises last on the body?

How long do bruises last on the mind? Mona seems to be addicted to most substances you can think of: Valium, alcohol, fear, weed, sex, caffeine. This haze of intoxication, represented well in the writing, lends an atmosphere of magical realism appropriate for the Nordic setting. Flashes of unexplained violence and off-putting sexual encounters leave the reader off center throughout the novel. The feeling is made even more kaleidoscopic by philosophical discussions that get difficult to follow, and characters that are somehow at once accessible and yet completely inhuman.
A solid place to stand is found in the underlying discussion of diversity. Writers from all over the world are brought together in one place, drawing into contrast the way they play up their unique ethnicity to pander, and to gain traction in a world which regards "writers of color" as a wonderful novelty. I found it interesting, in a book translated into English from the original Spanish, how important language seemed to both the characters and the story itself. I look forward to reading thoughts on this book written by people much smarter than I, having devoured it in less than three days, I'm sure there is so much I missed.
I recommend this book with a word of caution: it has an emotionally dizzying effect. For readers 18+ who enjoyed the movie Promising Young Woman, and the book Annie John by Jamaica Kincaid.