👀 I really do get why people love this. I don’t want to get into it, I just didn’t like it. I think the ideas introduced were valuable, interesting, real — but something about the execution wasn’t it for me. This is one of those “it’s me” situations. I’m sure. Oh well. Still good to have cultural context.

Robots (and one human) navigate a dystopian reality in this cozy sci-fi while trying to serve up yummy noodles and own a business in a world that prohibits them from doing so. “Robophobia” is a stand in for racism, homophobia and other prejudices in this metaphor novella, and shows how (especially online) that phobia can impact the lives/livelihoods of the targets. But man, in a world where AI is taking jobs and a robot just worked a 20+ hour shift they just don’t feel like the right vessel for human suffering. I didn’t like this at all though I think the intention of the author was probably a good one.

Damn.

I’m so glad I read “Villette” by Charlotte Brontë earlier this year as this ended up being a reimagining of that novel! Not that you “should” read it before Lucy but having the context was satisfying.

There were some truly powerful lines in here about love and hate being carried together within us, on leaving home and trying to build a new one, mother/daughter relationships, post-colonial class divide and love as a part of human experience. It’s beautifully written and Lucy is sympathetic despite her often cynical, sometimes cruel, way of being. This was fantastic.

This author and type of story is just not for me. I wish I had anything else to say because there is nothing “wrong” with it — but I feels so removed from these family sagas, no matter how good the writing is. I still have “The House of Spirits” which I’m open to trying but then I think I’m best off just leaving the pursuit behind me, with people who can, and do, appreciate it more than me.

“…their lives still stick stubbornly to my insides.”

“She’s a good woman, he thought. The kind of woman whose goodness is oppressive.”

Objectified, controlled, judged, dismissed, abused — physically and emotionally, our main character is portrayed through the eyes/perceptions of those around her. These conclusions s show how selfish, to say the least, these people are, revealing so much more about them than her. It’s uncomfortable to read, dark and ugly, with moments told dreamlike and prophetic… all the makings of a “perfect’ novel for me but (and I have noticed this with other work by her) it just didn’t pull me in or have the same impact that similar themes have had, from different authors. I’m not sure why, but am grateful to have finally read it and appreciated the ideas/experiences explored.

The “Sheila” that is the main character of this meta-fiction novel is frustrating. I normally don’t mind an unlikable character but I actively disliked her and wanted to METAPHORICALLY smack her, wake her up — which was a very weird experience for me. She uses the r-word too which put me off in a big way. It felt unnecessary. Her friend, Margaux (based on a real Margaux) while not perfect, I genuinely liked and rooted for. I found her journey and insights interesting. Sheila is often fake because of her insecurities which also motives her to use and betray others. But Margaux is creative, deep and knows herself. She is on a journey to know herself, concerned with inner-growth and the success that comes from creativity and authenticity. I wanted BETTER for her, better than Sheila. And yet… because she is who she is, her patience and care allow Sheila grace… space and support.

I do want to say that the thing I loved most about this is that Sheila Heti was willing (like Annie Ernaux — a favorite of mine) to draw on her worst parts, to be critical of herself in this moment which provides a sense that Margaux’s empathy was good for her. It would, though, be hard to recommend. Have you read this? How did you feel about it? …should I add that I still gave this four stars, lol.