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A review by sophiefreeman
The Memorial by Christopher Isherwood
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Isherwood structures this novel in chapters, switching perspective each time to give the reader a broad understanding of the social dynamics at play. I particularly enjoyed reinterpreting characters as more information was revealed about them. You do have to concentrate on this book because it often changes perspective and time period, and also there is a large cast of characters to remember who are all interconnected. If you enjoyed Isherwood's other novels, or books by Jane Austen, E.M. Forster e.g., I recommend picking this one up, despite it not being his most accomplished novel. My only problem with this book is that I don't know what Isherwood wants the reader to take away from the novel, and the blurb on my edition doesn't help. Apparently this book was written to explore the grief he felt when his father died during the war - which does make a level of sense to me. Definitely a no plot just vibes kind of story, but do check content warnings.
Graphic: Suicide attempt
Minor: Racial slurs and Car accident