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A review by thevampiremars
Border State by Tõnu Õnnepalu
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Border State is an intriguing little book. The evocative imagery conjures a world which is bleak yet beautiful. It’s almost gothic in places, reminiscent of Poe’s The Tell-Tale Heart. We catch glimpses of narrative through the poetic haze, though even that seems to be distorted by contradictions and ambiguity. There’s a pervasive nihilism throughout which encompasses both philosophical existentialism and psychosis. It’s not for everyone but if you like kind-of-gothic literary fiction I’d definitely recommend it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Sexual content
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Mental illness, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Murder, Alcohol, War, and Classism
Minor: Ableism, Addiction, Animal death, Body shaming, Child abuse, Child death, Chronic illness, Drug use, Genocide, Gore, Gun violence, Homophobia, Infidelity, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Racial slurs, Rape, Terminal illness, Excrement, Police brutality, Grief, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Sexual harassment, and Colonisation