Michael you have no idea how much this encouragement means - thank you so much. that is ALL I want to hear, no one else needs to comment now!!!! It absolutely is her strongest yet, I am glad you agree with me. To play on the quote from the novel, when I put 'Intermezzo' down I just wanted more Rooney, more and more Rooney. Her craft is getting sooooo good.🧎♂️
She really did pull it off. I’m so glad she took all the risks. I’ve actually never been more excited for what she’s going to give us next either! I’m proud too. Hope she can feel these good vibrations coming from us 😆
Omg sorry you've had such bad luck with your scary picks! Monstrillo has been on my list for a while bc of the subject matter but I've never heard feedback about it from someone whose taste I trust -- appreciate your honesty so I can maybe not waste my time lol.
I read Chain-Gang All-Stars this month -- which I'm sure you've gotten to by now -- and absolutely loved it.
Two picks for a moody slow-burn thriller that may hit better than Shirley Jackson:
The Auctioneer by Joan Samson, whose narrative follows a small town's transformation under the sudden and abrupt rule of a mysterious auctioneer. It has this quiet undercurrent of dread from page one that is paced beautifully imo.
Cursed Bread by Sophia Mackintosh is a strange n hypnotic story of obsession that revolves around a married couple running a French bakery. The story is based on a real event, apparently, but I can't tell u what it was without spoiling the end ;)
I’m sorry for myself too it was such bad luck on the scary picks front :(( I was so bummed. I’m still getting over it honestly. I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news w Monstrillo - great concept & subject matter, awful execution. I’m so pleased to hear how much you loved Chain-Gang - such a spectacular book! I loved it too.
I deeply appreciate the two recommendations in place of Shirley! I am into the sound of The Auctioneer I like small creepy towns (except the one in we have always lived in the castle lol). I have heard so much about Cursed Bread but never given it much thought!! Consider me now giving it thought - I like the lack of information you’re giving me!
I'm *still* waiting to borrow a friend's Intermezzo and therefore had to skip your review here only because I want to keep my expectations at a normal level, given that I liked 2/3 previous books and keep hearing from you and others that this is her best (!!)
Oh, I'm sad that the Shirley Jackson novel didn't land! I think she HAS written straight forward paranormal novels, and it's unfortunate (but understandable tbh) to go into this one expecting that - for me what worked was exactly what you identified: her skillful and sort of quiet layering tension: what's happening now (the arrival of the cousin), what happened in the past (understanding the crime) and what we expect to happen when everything collides.
My library hold list is getting a little overwhelming but You Dreamed of Empires and The Forgery both sound vibe-y and weird enough that I may have to check them out... On the other hand I've been meaning to read Small Things Like These -- I read 'So Late in the Day' by her and liked 2/3 of the stories a lot and then found the third story almost ruined the others, so I've really been meaning to revisit the book that she received the most attention for!
"I did like the ending of this novel; primarily because it meant it was over, but also because I thought it was marginally poetic," absolute lmao. It really seemed like the theme of your month was: cool idea, bad execution. Not a great combo!
I respect avoiding Intermezzo reviews until you get a chance to read the book!! I did the same - everytime I saw one on substack I saved it for until I was done! All I ask is that you come back & read it once you’re done bc I’d love to hear your opinions! It truly is, I think, her best work.
I’m sad that Shirley Jackson didn’t land either :( honestly the bad run of this month made me feel cursed. I think I’ve heard too much commentary ok the paranormal front so that truly is what I expected here! I do like a quiet layering, I’m unsure why it didn’t work for me. I honestly think it was a case of expectation vs reality ruining the novel.
So sorry about the library hold lol. You Dreamed of Empires & The Forgery are both soo kooky and weird but throughly enjoyable! Out of the two, I liked The Forgery more. Very idk what’s going on but I’m loving the ride vibes from both.
I would recommend Small Things Like These!! I was really moved by that novel, which slightly took me aback considering how short it is. Truly beautiful writing, a very delicate but powerful story. I felt all the things. I am dying to read more of her. I don’t gel well with short story collections & based off your comments, I won’t try So Late In The Day next 😉
Glad that line made you laugh hahaha. There were some other lines I graciously decided to remove because they were so sarcastic they were verging on perhaps being interpreted as cruel. I absolutely hated that book.
Cool idea bad execution is exactly what it was. Terrible combo. I’m in a bad reading mood bc of it which I don’t love. Just trying to not force reading so much rn, take it slow and let the love of the hobby make its way back to me!!!
Sounds like a good time to read something reliable rather than something ambitious?? (then again, that is the thinking that lead me to reading 3 thrillers that felt like they were insulting my intelligence last month so... maybe swing for the fences instead)
Yes ‘My Friends’ is definitely reliable rather than ambitious for me comfort zone wise! I’m taking it slowly but I am really enjoying it, it is a very me genre of book & writing. Might also consider swinging for the fences after this one for the thrill of it. The three thrillers you read last month seemed…interesting lmao. We all have bad months. Clearly October was ours 🥴
loved what you had to say about Intermezzo -- after my initial feelings and review, i find that what i keep thinking about, as someone who's been dealing with chronic pain this year, is people's weird reaction to sylvia's situation and the lack of empathy denoted by it. i'm glad you wrote about it! for your next keegan read, i suggest her (most recent, i think?) short stories collection, So Late in the Day. i read it last november and it was perfect.
Yes!! Totally agree with what Martha writes Rooney’s portrayal of chronic illness and am so glad someone is talking about it. It is this big unseen grief in the world IMO. It was an interesting choice by Rooney to see the ripples of the pain but not from Sylvia’s POV (which I did like, as much as loved and wanted more of Sylvia).
Clara, loved your piece too. The paragraph about the uncomfortable position of defending ‘insufferable’ characters really resonated - I described Intermezzo as being about the ordinary pain of being human and was met with stares ranging from quizzical to pitying 😅
Thank you Jess!! It is an enormous unseen grief in this world - incredibly common and yet completely misunderstood and ignored. I agree - the second hand insight into Sylvia’s pain was a really interesting choice. I think it perfectly captured the way people with chronic illnesses have to mask/pretend/perform the best they can outside the home and to others, going undetected, and then it all unravels in the privacy of the home. And it articulated so well how quickly the tide can change from ‘okay’ to ‘flare’ and excruciating pain. And the shame Sylvia clearly felt, having to only experience something that is such a huge part of her in private !!! And the complexity of navigating relationships!! I could go on and on. It’s all so layered and Rooney did it so well. I wanted more Sylvia too as well! A full Sylvia POV please.
I’m dead you got met with quizzical and pitying stares for saying Intermezzo is about the ordinary pain of being human lmao. How can it be viewed any differently?! Perhaps others misunderstanding of the theme of the novel suggests they have had a much luckier life than others 😅
Thank you Clara! People’s weird reaction to Sylvia’s situation and a lack of empathy for it is gutting but so unsurprising. People just don’t get it? Unless they, or someone they’re very close to who’s very honest with them, has any form of chronic health condition, people just cannot even comprehend what that means and how that can impact someone’s life. It’s as if there’s no given thought that there are different paths of existence? I read someone say that Sylvia not being intimate w Peter was unrealistic and I couldn’t believe it 🫠
I found it so interesting I didn’t come across a single review of Intermezzo that touched on the issue of chronic health. I know that is what I took most from the book because of my own experiences, but come on!?! Did no one else notice it or recognise it as a significant theme? Its also wrapped up in so much irony; the theme that language limits our ability to explain this horrendous experience but Rooney tried (and did so well might I add) and people still didn’t pick up on it. Point proven.
Sending love for chronic pain - I see you, I know how it feels <3 thanks for the Keegan rec I’ll look into it!!
As it should! It’s a really good book. Recommended to read in one sitting on a cold and dark evening to get the full atmosphere.
And thank you for the rec - I agree! I saw it in last months spilled milk and thought it sounded so good. Reinforced more now by my love for the bad sibling dynamic in Intermezzo! The media (books included) are full of too many good sibling relationships.
Thank you Izzy! Have you read Rooney before? I love to hear that you feel inspired to pick Intermezzo up - I really hope it works for you. I do think it is very different to Normal People, for example, which most people have read! There is a lot more ‘meat’ to it for lack of a better phrase. And while the romantic scenes are similarly brilliant, it’s everything surrounding them that feels much richer and compelling.
If you have previously not enjoyed Rooney, ‘Intermezzo’ is actually quite different from her other work. —-okay I will try Intermezzo because you said it Martha. I’ve tried Conversations with Friends and didn’t like it and decided not to read any Rooney for a long long while. 😂
Small Thing Like These - same sentiments with you. I have never read any Keegan but I know I will love her! I saw the trailer and it felt like a thriller haha based on your review it’s a little bit like that no? with the tension and all.
You Dreamed of Empires - I too have never used name indexes before until Anna Karenina lol. So many characters and so many variations of names. This book though seems right up my alley.
Intermezzo is quite different from her other work I stand by that!! I think that fact is why I’ve seen a lot of people who’ve previously really enjoyed her work say they didn’t enjoy Intermezzo as much. I can understand not liking CWF - Intermezzo is quite different from that novel. CWF was also her first and as someone who’s read all 4 now, she has grown and changed as a writer so much and I really felt that in Intermezzo. I think if you like the sound of the premise of two brothers failing to empathise with each other bc of various circumstances, you should give it a go.
I think the trailer does give off more overt thriller vibes than the novel. The tension in the novel is palpable but it’s very gentle, whereas I think the trailer definitely gives it a lot more with the cinematography & music. The novel I’d describe as a very delicate story (so delicate you feel like it is going to break with the revelation Furlong makes) but it is very impactful. It is also so short, so I feel like the film is going to have added a lot - the story feels like an imagination springboard - there’s so much not said, so (I’m guessing) the film fills some of that space in. When I watch it this week I’ll report back.
You Dreamed of Empires was a nice warm up for my time reading Anna Karenina I guess then! I love the long post long comment xx
I will definitely try Intermezzo soon then. I read a lot of lit fic but couldn’t really get on with Rooney which was weird to me.
Re Small Things Like These. I hate when movies to do that. The fill in the gap thing. but oh well. Definitely let me know how the movie goes because I won’t be watching it until I read the book.
I hope Intermezzo is a different Rooney experience for you! Fingers crossed.
Ok I saw Small Things Like These last night! I take my comment back - it follows the book so closely, almost no gap filling, which I really appreciated. True to the story indeed. I definitely enjoyed the experience of having read the book before and seeing it come to life on the screen. Even the dialogue is kept pretty limited to the prose of the novel, I was very impressed! Really enjoyed it, Cillian is fab in it x
I agree! I’m half way through and I am thoroughly enjoying it. The writing is gorgeous - I’m reading it really slowly so I can savour it as much as possible!
All right. I was not planning to read Intermezzo but you have moved it to a future “borrow” status for me. Based on my library hold list for it I can probably get it in 2026.
Have you read By Night in Chile? Something about your review makes me think you might be interested. It’s short and weird and a wry commentary on how the bystanders in dictatorship (who didn’t commit crimes but were close enough to those who did to be considered their aids even as they kept their hands “clean”) justify themselves.
Abra I am thrilled I have potentially convinced you to read Intermezzo. I, respectfully, think that most of the 'mainstream' outlet reviews (and some others on here) have kinda missed the mark or incorrectly explained the messaging of Intermezzo - people keep boiling it down to good sex scenes which is very, very reductive, it is full of much more complexity than that. At least it gives you something to look forward too in 2026.
I have not but I love the sound of it?? I think it is evident that dictatorships are some of my favourite historical fictions explorations. Thank you so much for that rec I have added it to the list - I am planning to read my first Bolaño next month (The Savage Detectives) so I will read it after that!
Thanks for sharing your October reads, Martha! You Dreamed of Empires is now on my TBR, it sounded good already but the Horrible Histories reference sold me.
I’ve read some of Daniel Kehlmann’s other books and felt similarly. The idea and the introduction of the characters were both great but I didn’t enjoy the plot lines, they also sort of meandered away from the characters who were introduced so fantastically at the start of the books.
Thank you Cathy! I am intrigued to hear if you think my Horrible Histories reference holds up! While HH exists in a league of its own, as we know, I do think You Dreamed of Empires makes an (unintentional) impressive attempt at recreating some of that silly energy while telling a historical story.
I am really intrigued to hear you have the felt same with Kehlmann's writing - it must just be his style that does not work for me, or you! It was disappointing because Tyll sounded so much fun. Both the German translated books I have read this year I have hated, which I don't love. Do you have any recs for me???
It's in my shopping cart as we speak, so I'll let you know!
I'm totally with you, the premise of Tyll sounds fantastic and I probably would have picked it up myself if I'd seen it in my local book shop.
If you're looking for German books in translation, I recently read The 13½ Lives of Captain Bluebear by Walter Moers which is witty and the absurdity of it was very funny. It gave me the same vibes as The Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Ran Away (also a fun book if you haven't read it yet).
I look forward to it! That books sounds absurd and very funny, not something I have heard of or would normally pick up! I will add it to the list (I read The Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Ran Away many many years ago as a child but don't seem to remember much of it!!!!)
I had a quick Google to see how easily available it is in English, I think it is available online (but a digitial version might be more cost-effective). It's got illustrations by the author throughout, and I really liked having the visuals to go with the story.
I re-read The Hundred Year Old Man again recently having forgotten how much I enjoyed it. I feel like I need the absurdity and amusement in books as my reading has narrowed down to fairly dense books (either history books or biographies).
I think a lack of absurd and amusing books can definitely come with getting older.. I see it in my reading too. Because I always like heavy reads, sometimes I go months without a book that isn't about some horrific historical event or enormous tragedy.
martha! I am sad you didn’t enjoy we have always lived in the castle but I can see your points, I think it’s one of jackson’s less horror centered books, much of what she wrote touched on women’s place in society & thats how I saw we have always lived in the castle, too. I found merricat to be such a strangely charming character but I wouldn’t classify it as horror per say, so I can see why going into it thinking it would be more would give a bit of a lackluster feeling at the end. anyways, loved this roundup as always, and I’d still wholeheartedly recommend the haunting of hill house for you, as it does touch a bit more on the horror and explores as well women’s position & is more of a ‘full’ story, I’d say
I am sad I didn't enjoy it too but I am so pleased to hear, as someone who loved it, that you can see where I am coming from! It was definitely a case of expectation vs reality impacting my reading experience. I think if I didn't think it was going to be 'scary', I would have been in more of a position to enjoy it, as everything would've been a (nice) surprise! Instead I was just constantly searching for something that wasn't there. I do think we have always lived in the castle didn't feel like a 'full' like you said. Thank you for the love, as always, and I will consider reading Haunting of Hill House if it has all the tropes I thought I would get in we have always lived in the castle!
big fan of small things like these! i also really enjoyed monstrilio, but maybe not quite as much as i expected to, and i think you articulated some of the issues i had with it :)
Me too! I saw the film at the weekend and really enjoyed it - very close to the book, which I appreciate. The only difference I think is that I had romanticised the landscape of Small Things Like These a bit more than the slightly brutalist and dreary portrayal of the movie, but I can get on board with that.
I am interested to hear you enjoyed Monstrilio but still agree with the issues I articulated! That makes me feel generally much better in not liking it - when I was reading reviews online I felt very singular in my issues with the novel.
I'm jealous, hopefully I'll see it soon! It was actually filmed in my home town so that'll be fun to see :) although I'm pretty sure the book is set in a more rural county, so I'm sure you're not alone in picturing it differently.
I've been a big fan of the horror lit coming out of Latin America recently, and the premise of Monstrilio was so interesting that I couldn't help but have fun with it. But I do think it pales a bit in comparison to books we're getting from people like Mariana Enriquez and Monica Ojeda. I just couldn't put my finger on why it wasn't on that same level (for me)!
My deepest apologies for calling your home town brutalist and dreary... but so cool it was filmed there! I would agree tho I did feel like the book was more rural, I imagined a cottage surrounded by fields of nothing you know? Very out in the sticks - not a house in a town!
I love anything coming out of Latin America - it is where my most translated reads are from! I would agree, after having read my first Enriquez this month, that Montrilio does feel like it pales a bit in comparison. I wasn't the same level for me either!
OMG I didn't even connect that, it's so fine! From the trailers I think they managed to make it look especially dreary, considering shows like Wednesday and films like Disenchanted and Irish Wish were also filmed here, so it's a pretty versatile place.
If you haven't already, I'd also recommend Claire Keegan's book Foster and the film adaptation An Cailin Ciun. They definitely give the cottagey rural vibes.
If you have any latin lit recs or previous posts on them I'd love to see them! I've mostly read recent Latin horror and some magical realism, but definitely feel there's much more there to explore.
Hahah okay glad to have not offended - they definitely managed to make it look especially bleak. Yes I absolutely want to read Foster now - thank you for the rec! Because it is set in the summer, I've been thinking of saving it until the warmer months next year???
For all Latin translated recs I would humbly direct you to my 'Map' - https://marthasmonthly.substack.com/p/marthas-map and the 'South America' section where I have every translated south american book I have read! Most of them on there (except a few I read before I started this) are reviewed on my page so hopefully you can search for them if you want. Some of my favs are; 'Cousins' by Aurora Venturini, ‘Crooked Plow’ by Itamar Vieira Junior, ‘The Twilight Zone’ by Nona Fernadez, ‘The Night Will Be Long’ by Santiago Gamboa, ‘Abyss’ by Pilar Quintana and ‘The Dark Side of Skin’ by Jeferson Tenório xx
I'd love to hear what you've read recently?? Latin American magical realism is always soooo good.
Oooh yes I think it would be a great Summer read! And I'm adding all of your favs to my TBR :) I love the translated rec list, will be checking out everything and honestly it has inspired me to try do something similar myself! I love translated books and think something like that would be a great incentive to keep broadening my reads. This year (other than what we already mentioned) I read 'The Bullet Swallower' which is probably my favouirte book of the year. Also really enjoyed 'Never Tell Anyone Your Name' by Frederico Ivanier, 'Jawbone' by Monica Ojeda, 'The Secret Life of Insects' by Bernardo Esquinca, 'Tender is the Flesh' by Agustina Bazterrica, 'Jungle House' by Julianne Pachico and 'A Sunny Place for Shady People' by Mariana Enriquez. I loved them all!
well I'm glad you prepared me for this one because OH MY HEART 🔪. I love reading the combo of your reviews in this edition because it really highlights how we all read for different reasons. For me, Our Share of Night was all consuming and swallowed me whole with its bloat like a dark nothingness that is inescapable. And with the Jackson, Merricat is one of my most favorite narrative voices of all time. That book is language, plot be damned. I just hate that you had to suffer through them!!
however. I love your love for Intermezzo, mostly because I love when readers love something so intimately because it captures a part of themselves that is inarticulate. Its the combo of the pieces, its the WAY she writes the story that hammers your heart. I may be convinced to try this one, but just know that the way this book makes you feel is the way a lot of the creepy stuff makes ME feel 😊👻🎃🐈⬛🖤
Natalie 🥲 I love you I'M SORRY!! But yes - we do all truly read for very very different reasons!! I am glad you enjoyed reading the combo of reviews even though they were not all positive or glowing. I can fully understand loving the consuming bloat of Our Share of Night, I know you loved spending time in the story rather than the particulars of plot movement and I fully get it. And don't get me wrong - I enjoyed Marricat's narration! I thought she was funny and weird and I enjoyed the way she perceived things. I do think my issues with We Have Always Lived in the Castle were fully an issue of expectation vs reality impacting my reading experience. I think if I fully understood that it is not a novel about being 'spooky' but more about language I would have gone in looking for something different, and ultimately appreciating what was there - if that makes sense? Constantly expecting something that never came really bummed out the vibes. And I am frustrated that this happened. I'm not completely sure where I picked up that it would be unsettling, but I think it might just be a general understanding of Jackson's writing (which I can now appreciate it MOSTY, not universally, paranormal vibes)
Thank you for the love on my love for Intermezzo. It is the combo of the pieces and the way she places those pieces that absolutely do hammer the heart. I have read a lot of people say they struggled with Peter's narrative but idk I thought it alllll worked very well. I loved it being a platonic rather than romantic focus. I know that the way I feel about Intermezzo is the way creepy stuff makes you feel!!!!!! I wanted to try the creepy vibes, and I am not entirely dissuaded from trying again - I truly think it was a batch of bad books (except Our Share, which I DID enjoy but not unanimously) Next year, I'm only going to read Natalie McGlockin spooky recs x I will not endeavour to find any on my own because clearly I do not have the eye for it 😆 🖤
I agree with you that Intermezzo is Rooney's best work! After being ambivalent about her earlier novels, I actually really enjoyed the experience of reading it, and I think reflecting more deeply on my feelings about it here on Substack also led me to a greater appreciation of it. I'll definitely have to check out Small Things Like These! it's too bad the rest of your reading was disappointing—but I think reflecting on why we don't like the books we don't like can also be illuminating!
I am glad you agree Ramya! Intermezzo does feel distinctly different to her earlier novels - some people love this and others don't! I agree, I think deeply reflecting on a novel in writing always helps led to a great appreciation. Do check out Small Things Like These - it is a truly lovely little novel. It is too bad the rest of the month was disappointing I agree (it was painful), but I also agree on reflecting why you don't like a book is illuminating - that is why I always talk about the books I hate too! I think it helps me, and my readers, understand my taste more and whether they align with it or not! I think only reflecting and sharing about what you love creates a weak picture of taste - for yourself and others!
Shocked to learn I can maybe handle Jackson or at least this particular book! I've always avoided her because I don't want to be scared. And I'm sorry this reading month was a bust BUT I'd absolutely take a seperate post or DM with UK shows you recommend solely because I trust your reading taste implicitly
I also have had the Forgery since purchasing in Mexico City but truly had no idea what it was about, just like Charco books and wanted to support but now I can't wait to experience the zany. My Friends is also on my list for this month and I already know it will be wonderful, I read another of Matar's books and it broke me as well. My recs for you: Tidal Waters (translation, episolatory novel set in Colombia and a quick read that I immediately started again to underline writing that struck me), Ghost Roots (creepy short stories set in Nigeria), and Blue Light Hours (debut book by a translator! Although not in translation itself it's a rare non hostile mother/daughter relationship if you're into that, I adored it)
Also love this! The Forgery is so kooky I found it very hard to review bc it is heavy on vibes that are hard to describe. I look forward to hearing what you think! What Matar book have you read? And yeh I finished My Friends last week and I LOVED it - incredible.
Thank you for the recs! My friend read Tidal Waters and didn’t like it so I’m interested to hear you do! I avoided it bc I trust her but maybe I’ll fold on that. Ghost Roots has been on the tbr for ages I’ve gotta get round to it!! I’ve not heard of Blue Light Hours - adding to the list! It sounds really good.
You can absolutely handle this Jackson book! I equally thought she’d scary the living daylights out of me, and this one didn’t, hence the disappointment with it I think. I got myself all psyched up for nothing. I’m sorry this reading month was a bust too thank GOD for Rooney & Keegan otherwise I would’ve lost the will to live I think. Okay firstly being told you just my reading taste implicitly is the best compliment of all time I might get that framed? And UK shows I recommend god let’s see if I can do this justice:
We’ve got the big ones like Killing Eve & Fleabag which I do love. Ghosts but the UK version is an arm and a leg better than US one. Plus the cast of Ghosts are the same from Horrible Histories so it is all round generally very good. Then I’d say; IT Crowd, Fresh Meat, Ludwig (this has just come out first season and I really liked it), Derry Girls, again I fear this is well known but if you haven’t watched the whole Peaky Blinders series it’s great, Industry I hear great things about but have not watched myself YET, I May Destroy You, This Country. Okay I may come back with more but for now, this is what I’ve got. What do you like watching?
I mostly love dramas but when it comes to British shows I love the crime/mystery shows (Grantchester, Unforgotten, Midsommar Murders). Loved Fleabag and I May Destroy You. Never finished the last season of Killing Eve because it wasn't holding my interest but I should go back to it. Hadn't heard of Ghosts!
Ok if you like crime and mystery I would recommend Ludwig! The last season of Killing Eve is shit its so sad because all the others are amazing. And I hugely recommend Ghosts too - it's so fun.
Oh no I'd be curious why your friend didn't like Tidal Waters, it is a bit meta and there's no plot but having read enough of your reviews I figured it would work for you 😅 I read Anatomy of a Disappearance years ago and loved it, I plan to start My Friends this week and I also have his partial (?) Memoir The Return
Haha I don't think she likes a lack of plot so that is probably why!! I loved My Friends a lot so I look forward to hearing about your experience too! I definitely want to read his other work now - I will add Anatomy of a Disappearance to the list!
happy to see the love for intermezzo :) i think you captured well what makes that book her strongest yet
Michael you have no idea how much this encouragement means - thank you so much. that is ALL I want to hear, no one else needs to comment now!!!! It absolutely is her strongest yet, I am glad you agree with me. To play on the quote from the novel, when I put 'Intermezzo' down I just wanted more Rooney, more and more Rooney. Her craft is getting sooooo good.🧎♂️
😂😇 i am honored. She’s really getting so good. I think this novel was also her riskiest, and she really pulled it off. I’m very proud of her
She really did pull it off. I’m so glad she took all the risks. I’ve actually never been more excited for what she’s going to give us next either! I’m proud too. Hope she can feel these good vibrations coming from us 😆
Omg sorry you've had such bad luck with your scary picks! Monstrillo has been on my list for a while bc of the subject matter but I've never heard feedback about it from someone whose taste I trust -- appreciate your honesty so I can maybe not waste my time lol.
I read Chain-Gang All-Stars this month -- which I'm sure you've gotten to by now -- and absolutely loved it.
Two picks for a moody slow-burn thriller that may hit better than Shirley Jackson:
The Auctioneer by Joan Samson, whose narrative follows a small town's transformation under the sudden and abrupt rule of a mysterious auctioneer. It has this quiet undercurrent of dread from page one that is paced beautifully imo.
Cursed Bread by Sophia Mackintosh is a strange n hypnotic story of obsession that revolves around a married couple running a French bakery. The story is based on a real event, apparently, but I can't tell u what it was without spoiling the end ;)
I’m sorry for myself too it was such bad luck on the scary picks front :(( I was so bummed. I’m still getting over it honestly. I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news w Monstrillo - great concept & subject matter, awful execution. I’m so pleased to hear how much you loved Chain-Gang - such a spectacular book! I loved it too.
I deeply appreciate the two recommendations in place of Shirley! I am into the sound of The Auctioneer I like small creepy towns (except the one in we have always lived in the castle lol). I have heard so much about Cursed Bread but never given it much thought!! Consider me now giving it thought - I like the lack of information you’re giving me!
seconding both of these recs !!
I'm *still* waiting to borrow a friend's Intermezzo and therefore had to skip your review here only because I want to keep my expectations at a normal level, given that I liked 2/3 previous books and keep hearing from you and others that this is her best (!!)
Oh, I'm sad that the Shirley Jackson novel didn't land! I think she HAS written straight forward paranormal novels, and it's unfortunate (but understandable tbh) to go into this one expecting that - for me what worked was exactly what you identified: her skillful and sort of quiet layering tension: what's happening now (the arrival of the cousin), what happened in the past (understanding the crime) and what we expect to happen when everything collides.
My library hold list is getting a little overwhelming but You Dreamed of Empires and The Forgery both sound vibe-y and weird enough that I may have to check them out... On the other hand I've been meaning to read Small Things Like These -- I read 'So Late in the Day' by her and liked 2/3 of the stories a lot and then found the third story almost ruined the others, so I've really been meaning to revisit the book that she received the most attention for!
"I did like the ending of this novel; primarily because it meant it was over, but also because I thought it was marginally poetic," absolute lmao. It really seemed like the theme of your month was: cool idea, bad execution. Not a great combo!
I respect avoiding Intermezzo reviews until you get a chance to read the book!! I did the same - everytime I saw one on substack I saved it for until I was done! All I ask is that you come back & read it once you’re done bc I’d love to hear your opinions! It truly is, I think, her best work.
I’m sad that Shirley Jackson didn’t land either :( honestly the bad run of this month made me feel cursed. I think I’ve heard too much commentary ok the paranormal front so that truly is what I expected here! I do like a quiet layering, I’m unsure why it didn’t work for me. I honestly think it was a case of expectation vs reality ruining the novel.
So sorry about the library hold lol. You Dreamed of Empires & The Forgery are both soo kooky and weird but throughly enjoyable! Out of the two, I liked The Forgery more. Very idk what’s going on but I’m loving the ride vibes from both.
I would recommend Small Things Like These!! I was really moved by that novel, which slightly took me aback considering how short it is. Truly beautiful writing, a very delicate but powerful story. I felt all the things. I am dying to read more of her. I don’t gel well with short story collections & based off your comments, I won’t try So Late In The Day next 😉
Glad that line made you laugh hahaha. There were some other lines I graciously decided to remove because they were so sarcastic they were verging on perhaps being interpreted as cruel. I absolutely hated that book.
Cool idea bad execution is exactly what it was. Terrible combo. I’m in a bad reading mood bc of it which I don’t love. Just trying to not force reading so much rn, take it slow and let the love of the hobby make its way back to me!!!
Sounds like a good time to read something reliable rather than something ambitious?? (then again, that is the thinking that lead me to reading 3 thrillers that felt like they were insulting my intelligence last month so... maybe swing for the fences instead)
Yes ‘My Friends’ is definitely reliable rather than ambitious for me comfort zone wise! I’m taking it slowly but I am really enjoying it, it is a very me genre of book & writing. Might also consider swinging for the fences after this one for the thrill of it. The three thrillers you read last month seemed…interesting lmao. We all have bad months. Clearly October was ours 🥴
loved what you had to say about Intermezzo -- after my initial feelings and review, i find that what i keep thinking about, as someone who's been dealing with chronic pain this year, is people's weird reaction to sylvia's situation and the lack of empathy denoted by it. i'm glad you wrote about it! for your next keegan read, i suggest her (most recent, i think?) short stories collection, So Late in the Day. i read it last november and it was perfect.
Yes!! Totally agree with what Martha writes Rooney’s portrayal of chronic illness and am so glad someone is talking about it. It is this big unseen grief in the world IMO. It was an interesting choice by Rooney to see the ripples of the pain but not from Sylvia’s POV (which I did like, as much as loved and wanted more of Sylvia).
Clara, loved your piece too. The paragraph about the uncomfortable position of defending ‘insufferable’ characters really resonated - I described Intermezzo as being about the ordinary pain of being human and was met with stares ranging from quizzical to pitying 😅
Thank you Jess!! It is an enormous unseen grief in this world - incredibly common and yet completely misunderstood and ignored. I agree - the second hand insight into Sylvia’s pain was a really interesting choice. I think it perfectly captured the way people with chronic illnesses have to mask/pretend/perform the best they can outside the home and to others, going undetected, and then it all unravels in the privacy of the home. And it articulated so well how quickly the tide can change from ‘okay’ to ‘flare’ and excruciating pain. And the shame Sylvia clearly felt, having to only experience something that is such a huge part of her in private !!! And the complexity of navigating relationships!! I could go on and on. It’s all so layered and Rooney did it so well. I wanted more Sylvia too as well! A full Sylvia POV please.
I’m dead you got met with quizzical and pitying stares for saying Intermezzo is about the ordinary pain of being human lmao. How can it be viewed any differently?! Perhaps others misunderstanding of the theme of the novel suggests they have had a much luckier life than others 😅
Thank you Clara! People’s weird reaction to Sylvia’s situation and a lack of empathy for it is gutting but so unsurprising. People just don’t get it? Unless they, or someone they’re very close to who’s very honest with them, has any form of chronic health condition, people just cannot even comprehend what that means and how that can impact someone’s life. It’s as if there’s no given thought that there are different paths of existence? I read someone say that Sylvia not being intimate w Peter was unrealistic and I couldn’t believe it 🫠
I found it so interesting I didn’t come across a single review of Intermezzo that touched on the issue of chronic health. I know that is what I took most from the book because of my own experiences, but come on!?! Did no one else notice it or recognise it as a significant theme? Its also wrapped up in so much irony; the theme that language limits our ability to explain this horrendous experience but Rooney tried (and did so well might I add) and people still didn’t pick up on it. Point proven.
Sending love for chronic pain - I see you, I know how it feels <3 thanks for the Keegan rec I’ll look into it!!
Ok Small Things Like These is climbing up my TBR real quick!
I think you’d enjoy Shred Sisters by Betsy Lerner! It came out October 1st and it’s divine
As it should! It’s a really good book. Recommended to read in one sitting on a cold and dark evening to get the full atmosphere.
And thank you for the rec - I agree! I saw it in last months spilled milk and thought it sounded so good. Reinforced more now by my love for the bad sibling dynamic in Intermezzo! The media (books included) are full of too many good sibling relationships.
I’ve been waiting for this! I have been wary to pick up intermezzo, but you definitely inspired me to pick it up
Thank you Izzy! Have you read Rooney before? I love to hear that you feel inspired to pick Intermezzo up - I really hope it works for you. I do think it is very different to Normal People, for example, which most people have read! There is a lot more ‘meat’ to it for lack of a better phrase. And while the romantic scenes are similarly brilliant, it’s everything surrounding them that feels much richer and compelling.
I have! I’ve read normal people and beautiful world. Hearing that it’s different from normal people is what inspired me!
If you have previously not enjoyed Rooney, ‘Intermezzo’ is actually quite different from her other work. —-okay I will try Intermezzo because you said it Martha. I’ve tried Conversations with Friends and didn’t like it and decided not to read any Rooney for a long long while. 😂
Small Thing Like These - same sentiments with you. I have never read any Keegan but I know I will love her! I saw the trailer and it felt like a thriller haha based on your review it’s a little bit like that no? with the tension and all.
You Dreamed of Empires - I too have never used name indexes before until Anna Karenina lol. So many characters and so many variations of names. This book though seems right up my alley.
Long post, long comment lol.
Intermezzo is quite different from her other work I stand by that!! I think that fact is why I’ve seen a lot of people who’ve previously really enjoyed her work say they didn’t enjoy Intermezzo as much. I can understand not liking CWF - Intermezzo is quite different from that novel. CWF was also her first and as someone who’s read all 4 now, she has grown and changed as a writer so much and I really felt that in Intermezzo. I think if you like the sound of the premise of two brothers failing to empathise with each other bc of various circumstances, you should give it a go.
I think the trailer does give off more overt thriller vibes than the novel. The tension in the novel is palpable but it’s very gentle, whereas I think the trailer definitely gives it a lot more with the cinematography & music. The novel I’d describe as a very delicate story (so delicate you feel like it is going to break with the revelation Furlong makes) but it is very impactful. It is also so short, so I feel like the film is going to have added a lot - the story feels like an imagination springboard - there’s so much not said, so (I’m guessing) the film fills some of that space in. When I watch it this week I’ll report back.
You Dreamed of Empires was a nice warm up for my time reading Anna Karenina I guess then! I love the long post long comment xx
I will definitely try Intermezzo soon then. I read a lot of lit fic but couldn’t really get on with Rooney which was weird to me.
Re Small Things Like These. I hate when movies to do that. The fill in the gap thing. but oh well. Definitely let me know how the movie goes because I won’t be watching it until I read the book.
I hope Intermezzo is a different Rooney experience for you! Fingers crossed.
Ok I saw Small Things Like These last night! I take my comment back - it follows the book so closely, almost no gap filling, which I really appreciated. True to the story indeed. I definitely enjoyed the experience of having read the book before and seeing it come to life on the screen. Even the dialogue is kept pretty limited to the prose of the novel, I was very impressed! Really enjoyed it, Cillian is fab in it x
ahhh so many things to put in my list now lol
Sorry 😂
Oh My Friends is really good. Really beautifully written.
I agree! I’m half way through and I am thoroughly enjoying it. The writing is gorgeous - I’m reading it really slowly so I can savour it as much as possible!
All right. I was not planning to read Intermezzo but you have moved it to a future “borrow” status for me. Based on my library hold list for it I can probably get it in 2026.
Have you read By Night in Chile? Something about your review makes me think you might be interested. It’s short and weird and a wry commentary on how the bystanders in dictatorship (who didn’t commit crimes but were close enough to those who did to be considered their aids even as they kept their hands “clean”) justify themselves.
Abra I am thrilled I have potentially convinced you to read Intermezzo. I, respectfully, think that most of the 'mainstream' outlet reviews (and some others on here) have kinda missed the mark or incorrectly explained the messaging of Intermezzo - people keep boiling it down to good sex scenes which is very, very reductive, it is full of much more complexity than that. At least it gives you something to look forward too in 2026.
I have not but I love the sound of it?? I think it is evident that dictatorships are some of my favourite historical fictions explorations. Thank you so much for that rec I have added it to the list - I am planning to read my first Bolaño next month (The Savage Detectives) so I will read it after that!
Thanks for sharing your October reads, Martha! You Dreamed of Empires is now on my TBR, it sounded good already but the Horrible Histories reference sold me.
I’ve read some of Daniel Kehlmann’s other books and felt similarly. The idea and the introduction of the characters were both great but I didn’t enjoy the plot lines, they also sort of meandered away from the characters who were introduced so fantastically at the start of the books.
Thank you Cathy! I am intrigued to hear if you think my Horrible Histories reference holds up! While HH exists in a league of its own, as we know, I do think You Dreamed of Empires makes an (unintentional) impressive attempt at recreating some of that silly energy while telling a historical story.
I am really intrigued to hear you have the felt same with Kehlmann's writing - it must just be his style that does not work for me, or you! It was disappointing because Tyll sounded so much fun. Both the German translated books I have read this year I have hated, which I don't love. Do you have any recs for me???
It's in my shopping cart as we speak, so I'll let you know!
I'm totally with you, the premise of Tyll sounds fantastic and I probably would have picked it up myself if I'd seen it in my local book shop.
If you're looking for German books in translation, I recently read The 13½ Lives of Captain Bluebear by Walter Moers which is witty and the absurdity of it was very funny. It gave me the same vibes as The Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Ran Away (also a fun book if you haven't read it yet).
I look forward to it! That books sounds absurd and very funny, not something I have heard of or would normally pick up! I will add it to the list (I read The Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Ran Away many many years ago as a child but don't seem to remember much of it!!!!)
I had a quick Google to see how easily available it is in English, I think it is available online (but a digitial version might be more cost-effective). It's got illustrations by the author throughout, and I really liked having the visuals to go with the story.
I re-read The Hundred Year Old Man again recently having forgotten how much I enjoyed it. I feel like I need the absurdity and amusement in books as my reading has narrowed down to fairly dense books (either history books or biographies).
I think a lack of absurd and amusing books can definitely come with getting older.. I see it in my reading too. Because I always like heavy reads, sometimes I go months without a book that isn't about some horrific historical event or enormous tragedy.
Yep, I’m exactly the same or get caught in book series that have ten books that keep me busy for months.
martha! I am sad you didn’t enjoy we have always lived in the castle but I can see your points, I think it’s one of jackson’s less horror centered books, much of what she wrote touched on women’s place in society & thats how I saw we have always lived in the castle, too. I found merricat to be such a strangely charming character but I wouldn’t classify it as horror per say, so I can see why going into it thinking it would be more would give a bit of a lackluster feeling at the end. anyways, loved this roundup as always, and I’d still wholeheartedly recommend the haunting of hill house for you, as it does touch a bit more on the horror and explores as well women’s position & is more of a ‘full’ story, I’d say
I am sad I didn't enjoy it too but I am so pleased to hear, as someone who loved it, that you can see where I am coming from! It was definitely a case of expectation vs reality impacting my reading experience. I think if I didn't think it was going to be 'scary', I would have been in more of a position to enjoy it, as everything would've been a (nice) surprise! Instead I was just constantly searching for something that wasn't there. I do think we have always lived in the castle didn't feel like a 'full' like you said. Thank you for the love, as always, and I will consider reading Haunting of Hill House if it has all the tropes I thought I would get in we have always lived in the castle!
big fan of small things like these! i also really enjoyed monstrilio, but maybe not quite as much as i expected to, and i think you articulated some of the issues i had with it :)
Me too! I saw the film at the weekend and really enjoyed it - very close to the book, which I appreciate. The only difference I think is that I had romanticised the landscape of Small Things Like These a bit more than the slightly brutalist and dreary portrayal of the movie, but I can get on board with that.
I am interested to hear you enjoyed Monstrilio but still agree with the issues I articulated! That makes me feel generally much better in not liking it - when I was reading reviews online I felt very singular in my issues with the novel.
I'm jealous, hopefully I'll see it soon! It was actually filmed in my home town so that'll be fun to see :) although I'm pretty sure the book is set in a more rural county, so I'm sure you're not alone in picturing it differently.
I've been a big fan of the horror lit coming out of Latin America recently, and the premise of Monstrilio was so interesting that I couldn't help but have fun with it. But I do think it pales a bit in comparison to books we're getting from people like Mariana Enriquez and Monica Ojeda. I just couldn't put my finger on why it wasn't on that same level (for me)!
My deepest apologies for calling your home town brutalist and dreary... but so cool it was filmed there! I would agree tho I did feel like the book was more rural, I imagined a cottage surrounded by fields of nothing you know? Very out in the sticks - not a house in a town!
I love anything coming out of Latin America - it is where my most translated reads are from! I would agree, after having read my first Enriquez this month, that Montrilio does feel like it pales a bit in comparison. I wasn't the same level for me either!
OMG I didn't even connect that, it's so fine! From the trailers I think they managed to make it look especially dreary, considering shows like Wednesday and films like Disenchanted and Irish Wish were also filmed here, so it's a pretty versatile place.
If you haven't already, I'd also recommend Claire Keegan's book Foster and the film adaptation An Cailin Ciun. They definitely give the cottagey rural vibes.
If you have any latin lit recs or previous posts on them I'd love to see them! I've mostly read recent Latin horror and some magical realism, but definitely feel there's much more there to explore.
Hahah okay glad to have not offended - they definitely managed to make it look especially bleak. Yes I absolutely want to read Foster now - thank you for the rec! Because it is set in the summer, I've been thinking of saving it until the warmer months next year???
For all Latin translated recs I would humbly direct you to my 'Map' - https://marthasmonthly.substack.com/p/marthas-map and the 'South America' section where I have every translated south american book I have read! Most of them on there (except a few I read before I started this) are reviewed on my page so hopefully you can search for them if you want. Some of my favs are; 'Cousins' by Aurora Venturini, ‘Crooked Plow’ by Itamar Vieira Junior, ‘The Twilight Zone’ by Nona Fernadez, ‘The Night Will Be Long’ by Santiago Gamboa, ‘Abyss’ by Pilar Quintana and ‘The Dark Side of Skin’ by Jeferson Tenório xx
I'd love to hear what you've read recently?? Latin American magical realism is always soooo good.
Oooh yes I think it would be a great Summer read! And I'm adding all of your favs to my TBR :) I love the translated rec list, will be checking out everything and honestly it has inspired me to try do something similar myself! I love translated books and think something like that would be a great incentive to keep broadening my reads. This year (other than what we already mentioned) I read 'The Bullet Swallower' which is probably my favouirte book of the year. Also really enjoyed 'Never Tell Anyone Your Name' by Frederico Ivanier, 'Jawbone' by Monica Ojeda, 'The Secret Life of Insects' by Bernardo Esquinca, 'Tender is the Flesh' by Agustina Bazterrica, 'Jungle House' by Julianne Pachico and 'A Sunny Place for Shady People' by Mariana Enriquez. I loved them all!
well I'm glad you prepared me for this one because OH MY HEART 🔪. I love reading the combo of your reviews in this edition because it really highlights how we all read for different reasons. For me, Our Share of Night was all consuming and swallowed me whole with its bloat like a dark nothingness that is inescapable. And with the Jackson, Merricat is one of my most favorite narrative voices of all time. That book is language, plot be damned. I just hate that you had to suffer through them!!
however. I love your love for Intermezzo, mostly because I love when readers love something so intimately because it captures a part of themselves that is inarticulate. Its the combo of the pieces, its the WAY she writes the story that hammers your heart. I may be convinced to try this one, but just know that the way this book makes you feel is the way a lot of the creepy stuff makes ME feel 😊👻🎃🐈⬛🖤
Natalie 🥲 I love you I'M SORRY!! But yes - we do all truly read for very very different reasons!! I am glad you enjoyed reading the combo of reviews even though they were not all positive or glowing. I can fully understand loving the consuming bloat of Our Share of Night, I know you loved spending time in the story rather than the particulars of plot movement and I fully get it. And don't get me wrong - I enjoyed Marricat's narration! I thought she was funny and weird and I enjoyed the way she perceived things. I do think my issues with We Have Always Lived in the Castle were fully an issue of expectation vs reality impacting my reading experience. I think if I fully understood that it is not a novel about being 'spooky' but more about language I would have gone in looking for something different, and ultimately appreciating what was there - if that makes sense? Constantly expecting something that never came really bummed out the vibes. And I am frustrated that this happened. I'm not completely sure where I picked up that it would be unsettling, but I think it might just be a general understanding of Jackson's writing (which I can now appreciate it MOSTY, not universally, paranormal vibes)
Thank you for the love on my love for Intermezzo. It is the combo of the pieces and the way she places those pieces that absolutely do hammer the heart. I have read a lot of people say they struggled with Peter's narrative but idk I thought it alllll worked very well. I loved it being a platonic rather than romantic focus. I know that the way I feel about Intermezzo is the way creepy stuff makes you feel!!!!!! I wanted to try the creepy vibes, and I am not entirely dissuaded from trying again - I truly think it was a batch of bad books (except Our Share, which I DID enjoy but not unanimously) Next year, I'm only going to read Natalie McGlockin spooky recs x I will not endeavour to find any on my own because clearly I do not have the eye for it 😆 🖤
I agree with you that Intermezzo is Rooney's best work! After being ambivalent about her earlier novels, I actually really enjoyed the experience of reading it, and I think reflecting more deeply on my feelings about it here on Substack also led me to a greater appreciation of it. I'll definitely have to check out Small Things Like These! it's too bad the rest of your reading was disappointing—but I think reflecting on why we don't like the books we don't like can also be illuminating!
I am glad you agree Ramya! Intermezzo does feel distinctly different to her earlier novels - some people love this and others don't! I agree, I think deeply reflecting on a novel in writing always helps led to a great appreciation. Do check out Small Things Like These - it is a truly lovely little novel. It is too bad the rest of the month was disappointing I agree (it was painful), but I also agree on reflecting why you don't like a book is illuminating - that is why I always talk about the books I hate too! I think it helps me, and my readers, understand my taste more and whether they align with it or not! I think only reflecting and sharing about what you love creates a weak picture of taste - for yourself and others!
Shocked to learn I can maybe handle Jackson or at least this particular book! I've always avoided her because I don't want to be scared. And I'm sorry this reading month was a bust BUT I'd absolutely take a seperate post or DM with UK shows you recommend solely because I trust your reading taste implicitly
I also have had the Forgery since purchasing in Mexico City but truly had no idea what it was about, just like Charco books and wanted to support but now I can't wait to experience the zany. My Friends is also on my list for this month and I already know it will be wonderful, I read another of Matar's books and it broke me as well. My recs for you: Tidal Waters (translation, episolatory novel set in Colombia and a quick read that I immediately started again to underline writing that struck me), Ghost Roots (creepy short stories set in Nigeria), and Blue Light Hours (debut book by a translator! Although not in translation itself it's a rare non hostile mother/daughter relationship if you're into that, I adored it)
Also love this! The Forgery is so kooky I found it very hard to review bc it is heavy on vibes that are hard to describe. I look forward to hearing what you think! What Matar book have you read? And yeh I finished My Friends last week and I LOVED it - incredible.
Thank you for the recs! My friend read Tidal Waters and didn’t like it so I’m interested to hear you do! I avoided it bc I trust her but maybe I’ll fold on that. Ghost Roots has been on the tbr for ages I’ve gotta get round to it!! I’ve not heard of Blue Light Hours - adding to the list! It sounds really good.
You can absolutely handle this Jackson book! I equally thought she’d scary the living daylights out of me, and this one didn’t, hence the disappointment with it I think. I got myself all psyched up for nothing. I’m sorry this reading month was a bust too thank GOD for Rooney & Keegan otherwise I would’ve lost the will to live I think. Okay firstly being told you just my reading taste implicitly is the best compliment of all time I might get that framed? And UK shows I recommend god let’s see if I can do this justice:
We’ve got the big ones like Killing Eve & Fleabag which I do love. Ghosts but the UK version is an arm and a leg better than US one. Plus the cast of Ghosts are the same from Horrible Histories so it is all round generally very good. Then I’d say; IT Crowd, Fresh Meat, Ludwig (this has just come out first season and I really liked it), Derry Girls, again I fear this is well known but if you haven’t watched the whole Peaky Blinders series it’s great, Industry I hear great things about but have not watched myself YET, I May Destroy You, This Country. Okay I may come back with more but for now, this is what I’ve got. What do you like watching?
I mostly love dramas but when it comes to British shows I love the crime/mystery shows (Grantchester, Unforgotten, Midsommar Murders). Loved Fleabag and I May Destroy You. Never finished the last season of Killing Eve because it wasn't holding my interest but I should go back to it. Hadn't heard of Ghosts!
And we did start Derry Girls before we lost netflix, it's hilarious
Derry Girls is the best - I'm sorry you haven't been able to finish it!! One day 🤞
Ok if you like crime and mystery I would recommend Ludwig! The last season of Killing Eve is shit its so sad because all the others are amazing. And I hugely recommend Ghosts too - it's so fun.
Oh no I'd be curious why your friend didn't like Tidal Waters, it is a bit meta and there's no plot but having read enough of your reviews I figured it would work for you 😅 I read Anatomy of a Disappearance years ago and loved it, I plan to start My Friends this week and I also have his partial (?) Memoir The Return
Haha I don't think she likes a lack of plot so that is probably why!! I loved My Friends a lot so I look forward to hearing about your experience too! I definitely want to read his other work now - I will add Anatomy of a Disappearance to the list!