Does anyone really do it like this anymore?? A straightforward romance following the usual tropes but fully set in medieval times using archaic language.

I opted to read the non-condensed version and I think that was the right choice. The cadence of the dialogue absolutely took some getting used to, but it made the overall read far more immersive. Plus, sex scenes in Middle English are lowkey hilarious thanks to the antiquated vocab.

It’s definitely a book to noodle on because, at face value, it doesn’t have a very satisfying ending. I want to say my expectations were too high going in and that’s why I feel somewhat disappointed, but I didn’t actually have any so I’m scratching my head.

The story itself reminded me a lot of the French New Wave - it has the same sort of experimental approach with an unpredictable structure and personal storytelling. I have no idea if that was Harpman’s intent, but that framework allowed me to better understand the book and its intention. Beyond providing plenty of fodder for mediating on what it is to be human, a woman who writes a book about a woman who literally never knows men in a genre that has predominantly male authors feels like a huge middle finger (complimentary).

What sets this apart from other books is its ending - it leaves you at the edge of the future but doesn’t feel the need to tie everything up in a neat and tidy bow. Kinda like life, it’s messy.

Intended to be satire, this swings between weirdly preachy to funny to plot elements that are downright concerning.

I'd be interested to read the author's non-satirical work since I generally liked her writing style, but this really missed the mark for me.